AFTER their midweek cup success, Latics returned to National League action against Yeovil at Boundary Park and secured victory. We asked our jury of fans what they thought of the win and performance against the Glovers.

STEVE SHIPMAN

It was far from spectacular on Saturday but it was workmanlike and other than a great save by Norman in the second half, it didn’t really feel like we were in any real danger. We are slowly starting to look more organised as a team, despite the numerous injury problems we constantly seem to be faced, with Dan Gardner being the latest to suffer.

A change of shape by Unsworth seemed to work quite well and I thought Threlkeld commanded the midfield, covering ground, doing the ugly work and not letting Yeovil settle. Creativity is still an issue with Tollitt and Rooney far too quiet considering their role in the team and that’s a bit of an issue, especially with the latter, as he came in with a big reputation but has yet to really make an impact.

It was a fortunate ricochet for the first goal, and the second goal was a great example of why you should always leave a man up from a corner. A quick break and, despite it not being slick, it was Fondop who seems to be creating that knack of being in the right place at the right time, which is invaluable at this level. He looks so much less isolated under Unsworth and puts himself about well.

It was dirty, hard to watch but it was workmanlike and an important three points without expending too much energy, especially after 120 minutes and penalties in midweek. I’ll happily take it, while knowing that there is more to come once the squad takes shape under Unsworth.

GARY SKINNER

Progress! There were definite signs of improvement in the 2-0 win against Yeovil on Saturday. Lois Maynard and Zaine Francis-Angol brought some much-needed experience and calmness to the defence, ultimately helping the team to record their first clean sheet under David Unsworth. Oscar Threlkeld had an excellent first half, even chipping in with an early goal, before tiring later.

The same could be said of John Rooney, who is possibly still making his way to full match sharpness. Nathan Sheron provided extra cover just in front of the defence, while further forward Ben Tollitt and Mike Fondop worked tirelessly up front. New loan signing, Conor Carty, was on the bench and almost had a dream debut after coming on after 60 minutes, but fluffed a great chance from six yards out.

He made amends, though, in the 73rd minute when, after being put through by Tollitt. He initially took a heavy touch but was still able to put the ball into the danger area and Fondop was following up and able to scramble the ball home from close range, settling the nerves of the fans who have seen too many one-goal leads surrendered this season already. All in all, it was a much more solid performance and one on which they can build, and hopefully start to go on a run of victories and a move up the table.

PHILIP TAYLOR

Finally, Latics fans could enjoy their favourites keeping a first clean sheet since the opening day of the season and, more importantly, registering a first win over 90 minutes for new boss David Unsworth after finally breaking the hoodoo of failing to build on a 1-0 lead and surrendering league points.

The players appear to be growing confidence in their system and in each other and the returning Threlkeld and Angol added some stability alongside young Carty on loan from Bolton, whose cameo display hinted at better days ahead as he linked well with the Athleticos’ cult hero, Mike Fondop, who is enjoying a rich vein of goalscoring form.

Two tough, but winnable, away days at Altrincham and Halifax this week may offer further clues as to just where Latics are in terms of building a team capable of a push towards the play-offs. Last midweek it was thank heavens for small mercies as Latics finally won the FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie versus Chester, via a Chris Porter penalty kick to deliver Latics a first-round tie at Wrexham.

Latics were much better in the first half but again failed to build on a 1-0 lead and were thankful for a late extra-time equaliser from the in-form Fondop to save them from defeat and give them the subsequent joy of a penalty win. That made it four games unbeaten in all competitions and saw several players finding their form and others returning from injury. The team are still taking time to gel and adapt to the demands of the new managerial team, but at least there are some positive signs and a new-found resilience emerging.