Boyce confident of survival

Last updated : 18 April 2012 By Paul Farrington

Earlier in the season the Latics were the odds-on favourites for relegation but following a run of four victories in five games and a dramatic rise up the league table, the Latics can now be found upwards on 10-1 to go down.

Whilst there is still a lot of work to do until the end of the season, and some very difficult games left to play, Latics defender Emerson boyce told the Wigan Evening Post that he is confident the team can achieve survival.

He said: “A lot of people were quick to write us off and say we were certainties for relegation – as is the case every season.

“But that gives us a point to prove. And what bigger challenge can you have than games against the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal?

“To be honest, I’d have been happy if we’d just have been still in contention at this stage.

“But to beat three of those teams has been a fantastic achievement, and we should probably have got something at Chelsea as well.

“If you’re judging the performances as a block, the results have been more than justified, and we seem to have discovered a new resilience about us.

“We’re looking forward to the games now and, as Wigan Athletic normally do, we are rising to the challenge.”

The Latics travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham this weekend and with just four games remaining each point is important.

The Latics are presently five points clear of 18th placed Bolton and a victory over the Cottagers on Saturday would nudge Roberto Martinez's side ever closer to survival.

Team celebrate