Latics cruise to crucial victory
Last updated : 18 December 2005 By Paul Farrington
It was vital that the team returned to winning ways to boost confidence and get the monkey of five straight defeats off their backs.
And didn't they do it in style. A fantastic hat-trick from striker Henri Camara was backed up by a solid and hard-working team performance.
It was back to the Latics of old.
The new pitch helped the performance with the team able to pass the ball quickly in a way that suits the team's style of play.
Manager Paul Jewell was delighted with the result, he said: "We have been in a winning mentality over the last few seasons and to lose five games on the spin was something the players didn't like and they had a point to prove.
"After five straight defeats people were saying what we expected them to say that this has been a real test of character and we have come through with flying colours."
 | Hat-Trick Hero Henri Camara |
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The defence was solid with the return of Arjan De Zeeuw for Stephane Henchoz alongside Matt Jackson, while Chimbonda and Baines put in solid performances again.
Jimmy Bullard was superb in midfield, and back to the Bullard we say at the season's beginning while Kavanagh did the defensive work alongside him.
Lee McCulloch returned to the left flank and played a huge part in the first goal, it was his turn and volley that rattled bar, before Camara pounched.
While Gary Teale performed well, if not spectacular, on the right flank. It was pleasing to see Tealey playing so well defensively as well as looking to use his pace going forward.
However the front two for the Latics were superb. Jason Roberts, while he didn't manage to get on the score sheet, vanished memories of his poor display at Old Trafford with a powerful performance.
He was full of running and didn't give the Charlton back line a seconds rest all game.
Alongside him, Henri Camara was leathel. His second goal in particular showed the amazing pace that he possess while the third goal owed as much to determination as much as fantastic skill.
More of the same on Boxing Day will not go amiss to help banish the play-off memories of Manchester City.
Player Ratings
Mike Pollitt - 7
Pascal Chimbonda - 8
Leighton Baines - 8
Matt Jackson - 8
Arjan De Zeeuw - 8
Gary Teale - 7
Lee McCulloch - 8
Jimmy Bullard - 8
Graham Kavanagh - 7
Jason Roberts - 8
Henri Camara - 9
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