Wigan manager Gary Caldwell says his team can go out and enjoy the two cup games ahead after their weekend late show against Swindon ensured another three points.
Francisco Junior came off the bench to score the winner six minutes into injury time to send Wigan fifth and extend their unbeaten run to ten matches.
Two local derby cup games are next on the agenda as Latics’ first visit Bury in the FA Cup followed by a home tie against Blackpool in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.
And Caldwell feels the latest three points was huge before attention is turned away from the league for a while.
“We spoke about the importance of winning our last league game before two cup matches,” he said.
“It was a massive game today in terms of keeping our position in the league and closing the gap on the top.
“We can go into the cup games now to enjoy them and try and keep our unbeaten run going.”
With the current league form being so good, some may see this break as a disadvantage but the fans will be dreaming of something similar to 2013 when Wigan’s amazing run led to them lifting the FA Cup.
Although far-fetched last time around, a repeat of such events would be even more miraculous this time as Wigan find themselves two divisions lower than two years ago.
But the fans can dream again and a local derby with Bury, who currently sit level on points with Latics’ in the league is a good way to start.
And Caldwell again praised the fans who have travelled in their numbers throughout the season, even when the side wasn’t performing to begin with.
“The fans were amazing again, they have been all season and I am just glad we’ve given them a team they can be proud of that is winning games.
“Though today wasn’t as free-flowing as it has been, I hope they went home happy with the late goal.”
Wigan will play Bury at Gigg Lane on Saturday November 7 at 3pm befopre Blackpool travel to the DW the following Tuesday in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy quarter-final for a 7:15pm kick off.
Image courtesy of Wigan Athletic, via YouTube, with thanks.
