Manager Stephen Robinson was delighted to progress through to the third round of the Checkatrade Trophy after last night’s 1-3 win over Walsall.
After falling a goal behind, goals from Lee Croft, Cameron Burgess and Lee Erwin secured the win and Athletic’s passage through to the second round.
Speaking about the game, Robinson said: “I don’t think we played particularly well off the ball in the first half but we did well on the ball and created a lot of chances.
"We should have scored a few but we made a couple of changes at half time. I thought we looked a little leggy in the first half but second half was much better.
"We created chances and should have won by more. We pressed them well, showed a lot of energy and the players who came on made a real difference.”
Croft notched his first goal since the start of last season and the manager has challenged him to add more goals to his game.
“We know what quality Crofty has got and what he brings to the team but he does have to add an end product to it,” he admitted.
"We’ve spoken to Crofty and Carl Winchester about adding goals and assists and we can only judge him on tonight and he has done really well. Every time Crofty has come on he’s done really well for me.”
It’s a quick turnaround for Latics now as they face Southend United at the weekend.
“It’s about rest and recuperation now,” Robinson said. “They will be a tough test and have been doing well as of late.
“We are confident if we play to our capabilities we can beat anybody but we must take our chances.”
Watch the full interview on Latics PlayerHD.