AFTER the FA Cup dream ended at Wrexham, David Unsworth’s Latics were back on home soil to face Barnet on Saturday but defeat saw them slip into the relegation zone. We asked our jury of fans what they thought of the loss and performance against the Londoners.

GARY SKINNER

Latics woes continued with another disappointing defeat at home to Barnet. The return, on loan, of former captain and fans’ favourite Peter Clarke, alongside current captain Liam Hogan at the heart of the defence, provided some much-needed experience. But, ultimately, it was not enough to bring about the win they are desperately looking for.

Latics lined up with manager David Unsworth’s preferred formation of 4-3-3 and started the game brightly. And with Mark Kitching and Ben Tollitt linking up well down the left flank, they could easily have been two goals in front in the first half.

The second half, however, started to have a familiar look to it as Barnet grew in confidence and, in particular, began to dominate the midfield, where Lois Maynard and young loanee Sydie Peck struggled to make an impact.

It’s clear even more new recruits are required, players who can come into the team and stand out, particularly in midfield where they desperately need someone who can grab a game by the scruff of the neck, put his foot on the ball and drive the team forward, because at the moment they look far too passive and easy to play against.

Timmy Abraham would surely benefit from having Mike Fondop alongside him in the forward line as he is too isolated up front on his own.

The manager is still striving to bring in quality players and to find the key to winning games. Patience is required but the turnaround surely needs to come soon.

 

DAWN MARSDEN

As much as I always try to find the positives in every situation, it was hard to be anything but utterly miserable after Saturday’s defeat to Barnet.

I arrived at the game feeling pretty good (blame that on the ‘Peter Clarke returns’ high) and still thought we’d nick three points when the lads went in at half time. But Barnet looked much stronger second half and miles better than us.

Pains me to say it, but I actually think we were fortunate to keep it to 2-0 at full time.

I know great things are happening off the pitch and it takes time to undo years of rot, but we’re in the drop zone now and I honestly can’t see us picking up any points on our current form. Things need to change, and fast.

 

JAMES READE

I didn’t get to the Barnet game but it was another defeat for Latics, and a particularly disappointing one given recent transfer activity.

We’re left with an increasingly bloated looking squad, no sign of a winning combination on the field, and a team in the relegation zone of the National League. Thankfully, there are still another 27 matches left of the season, and the off-field situation at the club is in a better place, otherwise relegation fears might be that bit stronger

It cannot be instantaneous to raise fitness levels significantly mid-season, and it cannot be instantaneous to change the atmosphere and mentality around a club that has spent all too many seasons now losing many more than they win.

Discontent amongst the fans is naturally high, and that will have an impact, however much the owners and the board may back their man in David Unsworth. Some wins are needed very soon, as without them, the pressure on Unsworth may become hard to ignore.