Oldham Athletic defender Sutton seizes chance in FA Cup tie

Resilience: the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.

Determination: the quality of being determined; firmness of purpose.

Will Sutton has demonstrated all of the above, and more, since making the step up from scholar to professional, but particularly since breaking into the first team two and half years ago.

There has been co-operation, in filling a void at right back in the last couple of seasons, and dedication to ensure that despite playing out of his natural position he could deliver his best in the role required, working in particular on his fitness.

There has been a clear and admirable level-headedness from the young defender too.

Sutton has been a model professional. And on Saturday - arguably more than on any other occasion he has been included in the starting XI - it paid off. Picked in a position that seems to be the most suited to him, on the right of a back three, he thrived.

Micky Mellon congratulates Will Sutton on a man of the match performance (Image: Phill Smith)

Mike Fondop was at the double and Josh Lundstram, who along with the lively Kane Drummond had a hand in both of them, capped another impressive and influential attacking midfield display with a goal of his own in between Fondop's brace, as Latics blitzed their way through the first half against National League opponents.

A shell-shocked Halifax pulled a goal back through Billy Waters, but Sutton soon helped to restore the three-goal cushion when Scott High turned the defender's ball into the box past his own goalkeeper and sent Latics into the break 4-1 up.

Latics missed the drive of Lundstram after the midfielder went off with a tight hamstring at the break, and went through the motions somewhat in the second half, comfortable on a huge first-half lead that could have been even bigger, such was their dominance.

Their lead was halved by Jo Cummins, heading home Florent Hoti's free kick in the 77th minute.

But with Sutton starring at both ends of the pitch - including a marauding run that set up a good chance for Josh Kay in his first game since August - there was no risk to Latics' route to the first round.

And although the 21-year-old might not be in for a goal bonus, he has cemented a personal goal.

"I've had to be patient, which is fine, that's the job really," he said.

"No more patient than what any other player has to deal with really.

"I know maybe more than anyone that it can change so quickly, so I've had to make sure that I'm always ready, doing all the right things and just enjoying training, which I have been doing, especially the last few weeks, and they've recognised that.

"I was chuffed to have been given my opportunity and it was up to me to take that, so I'm definitely pleased that I did."

He added: "I've had two seasons previously maybe playing out of position but I've enjoyed it and got some good experience there.

"But my own goal going into this season was to try to nudge my way into one of those centre back slots.

"That's mainly why I was so excited to play (on Saturday), to give me a chance to show what I'm like in my natural position and I'm just glad I backed it up with something like that.

"I'm chuffed with the win and how I've played."