However, after last Wednesday’s 3-0 away defeat at Nottingham Forest, I must admit I had almost given up all together. I suppose it was just one lacklustre performance too many for my liking.
The only glimmer of hope I had left was the next four fixtures: Reading, Charlton Athletic, Cardiff City and Blackpool. I somehow had a feeling we could pick up points out of these games, but we had to win at least three out of four realistically.
Last night, my hope returned, as we scrapped a vital 1-0 victory away at Reading. All of a sudden, that belief that comes accustomed to being a Wigan fan was back. The vision of us surviving relegation was clear again.
There are now some positives. A win to build upon and a squad that may not be full of quality, but certainly looks like it wants to fight until the bitter end. That spirit was personified by Jason Pearce, as he kept a clean sheet and scored the winner on his debut.
BUT, in my opinion, we have to back up this win. Several times this season have I told myself that a rare win would be the turning point, Derby away and Leeds away to name a couple of examples.
Now we have to achieve two things we haven’t since way back in August, a home win and back-to-back wins. Taking three points off Charlton at the DW is a must. With a victory, we will be three points from safety and will also put our relegation rivals, such as Brighton, under pressure on the Saturday.
Finally, beating Charlton will send us into a massive week with our tails up. Ready for when we face Malky Mackay’s former club Cardiff City; and then up to the seaside for a vital clash with Blackpool at Bloomfield Road.
Don’t write us off yet, there may just be another great escape on the cards.
(@kieranmaksports)