We need to keep the faith

Last updated : 26 August 2003 By Tony Scholes

Wigan boss Paul Jewell admitted to being relieved that his side had won their first game at this level following promotion: "I’m happy to win but not particularly happy with the performance", said Jewell. "I actually thought we played poorly but thankfully what we did do well was defend resolutely.

"We wanted to take the game to them because they had lost two games, albeit they have been playing well. They started very well and we started poorly but then the very first move we put together we scored a goal.

"We then defended well but too many crosses went into our box although we sat it out and we’ve got the three points.

"I have to give Burnley credit, they kept going and were creating chances. Their keeper made some great saves and they’ve missed some chances so I am a relieved man. We showed resilience and kept a clean sheet.

"Even the players are disappointed at the way we played today but we have to take the positives out of it and we’ve got three points and a clean sheet. But I want us to be better than we were today."

Stan was clearly disappointed at a third defeat but certainly not down despite the difficulties currently at the club

"At the moment it is very difficult for everyone connected with the club", he said after this third successive loss. "We’re not getting a break and we are giving poor goals away but we need to keep the faith.

"The lads are playing reasonably well though and creating chances but they are just not going in. but if we keep creating chances they will start going in.

"We were in the ascendancy when they scored their second but we have to keep going, we had the better chances in the game and probably more efforts as well and I also thought the supporters were fantastic today."