Manager Stephen Robinson could not fault the effort from his players during yesterday’s goalless draw against Port Vale.
Latics attacked and attacked but couldn’t make the breakthrough against a stubborn Port Vale side, who had goalkeeper Jak Alnwick to thank for being in inspired form.
Speaking after the game, Robinson said: “Every player to a man, including the substations that came on, gave me absolutely everything today and they have done over the last three games.
"They have run themselves in to the ground and it’s the bare minimum. Peter Clarke said after the game it’s a pleasure to play in that kind of performance because we are a horrible team to play against when we are like that.
“We are aggressive, we are energetic, we couldn’t be anymore attacking with the team we have put out and still we haven’t had a slice of fortune for us.
“It’s there for everyone to see, if we had someone who could score goals we wouldn’t be in the position we are in.”
Bad luck has gone against Athletic all season in front of goal, but the manager insists that fortune has to change now.
“I’m not sure what Billy has to do to score,” he admitted.
“The fortune has got to change, we are creating chances, playing well, throwing bodies on the line, running more than other teams, and have good quality going into the box.
“If you don’t score, you’re not going to win but the luck has to change soon.”
January is now upon us and with plans to strengthen this month, the manager gave an update regarding off the field matters.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to do some bits and pieces before the Mansfield game, but at this moment I only know I have the squad I have,” he said.
“I have no idea when the embargo is being lifted and I’ll work with what I’ve been given and try and turn this place around.”
Watch the full interview on Latics PlayerHD.