DAVID Unsworth said there was “no better feeling” than celebrating Latics’ biggest away win for quarter of a century with the travelling fans.

More than 400 made the trip to Surrey despite the rail strike, the inclement weather and the travelling distance involved.

And Latics boss Unsworth was delighted to reward them for their efforts with a comprehensive and memorable victory.

“We had an unbelievable following and I was so happy for them that they could see that performance and see the goals and celebrate with the players and myself after the game,” he said.

“There’s no better feeling. They’ve waited a long time for it, they’ve waited a long time to see five goals away from home, which is amazing.

“It could and should have been more if we’re being ruthless. But certainly every bus that everyone got on, including ourselves, was a happy bus on the way home.”

Latics take a break from league action this weekend with the visit of Gateshead in the FA Trophy fourth round on Saturday (kick-off 3pm), weather permitting after some severe downpours.

But rather than see the game as a distraction, Unsworth wants to use it as an opportunity to establish some momentum.

“I’m looking forward to the Trophy. I’m looking forward to any game that we have at Boundary Park. The lads have done brilliantly here this season, we’ve just got to keep it going,” he said.

“We’re a work in progress, we know that, but certainly making some giant strides. It was a giant step on Saturday and I’m really thrilled for the players because you need to see at some point all those good things coming together and we certainly saw that at the weekend.

“Saturday is another chance to gain some momentum and I think that’s more important. Our league form, our league position, is the highest priority but I just think performance and winning games go hand in hand.

“You can’t play God and nor would I want to, picking and choosing. It’s about good habits, professionalism, doing the right things week in week out and the sooner we do that the sooner we can hopefully enjoy success. You only do that by striving to be consistent every day and every game.”