Wigan will be looking to continue their gradual rise up the table when they travel to Port Vale on Saturday in Skybet League One, as they hope to build on last week’s impressive comeback win at Chesterfield.
Three goals in nine amazing minutes last week ensured the Latics of their first away points of the season as they scored a winner in extra-time whilst coming back from 2-0 down.
And manager Gary Caldwell feels the manner in which Wigan salvaged the game can be used as a momentum builder as the season really swings into full flow.
“I didn’t expect us to kick-start our away form in that style last week, but it was a great performance, a great comeback and a great day for the fans that were there to witness it,” he told the club’s website.
“It’s given the boys a lot of belief.
“The players were relentless in their pursuit of the win.
“Once the first went in we immediately pushed for a second and so on, which shows myself and our supporters just how much this group wants to win.
“They’ve been training all week with a really positive approach. People have been training with a spring in their steps and we need to use that and continue that to push forward.”
Victory at Vale Park would see Wigan win three consecutive games for the first time in 18 months and push them into the play off places as they push for promotion back to the Championship at the first time of asking.
And with key players coming back into the fray just at the right time, Caldwell feels that he again has options ahead of what will be another tough away trip.
“Will [Grigg] and Jonjoe [Kenny] returning from international duties gives us a selection headache, but a good one because for the first time in training we’ve been able to have a really strong squad.
“There will be players who will be disappointed not to play this week, but they have to be ready to bring something to the team.”
Port Vale, although down in the bottom half of the table have only lost twice in all competitions this season and teams have found it difficult to break them down.
And with their game against Millwall last weekend being postponed due to international call ups, Wigan may need to show the same kind of spirits as they did last weekend if they are to keep up the good run.
Image courtesy of Wigan Athletic via YouTube, with thanks.
