DAVIS Keillor-Dunn believes Latics' team spirit is coming to fruition at the right time.

Keith Curle's side have endured a tough start to the season, sitting bottom of the League Two table and the ongoing unrest off the pitch between the fans and controversial club owner Abdallah Lemsagam.

Having games interrupted by pitch invasions and protests - it has been impossible for the players to ignore.

On top of that there have been contractual problems for goalkeeper Jayson Leutwiler and defender Harrison McGahey, which delayed their start to the season - with McGahey only making his debut on Saturday. In addition they have an injury list that accounts for a huge chunk of their squad.

There has been no shortage of problems at Boundary Park.

But Keillor-Dunn, who lifted the mood with his derby winner at Rochdale, says the dressing room has stuck together, and hopes they can now start to reap the rewards and let Saturday's result kick-start their season.

“I know it’s a cliche to say but it’s a great bunch of lads in there," he said.

“To be a team we’ve got to stick together and over the tough times when you stick together like that the good times come through

“It’s been tough. It’s been noted how many we’ve had injured, and Harrison and his contract and stuff.

“There’s been quite a few things but that’s football and the gaffer has just been saying we’ve got to get on with it.

“Before we went out (on Saturday) he said ‘just give 100 per cent, that’s all they (the fans) want to see, and when results come we build momentum and go from there."

And Keillor-Dunn wants to use tonight’s Papa John’s Trophy clash at home to Leeds United Under 21s (kick-off 7pm) as a means of gaining momentum to boost Latics' league position.

"We've got to put back to back wins together. We are capable of it, but it's about not leaving any stone unturned," said the 23-year-old, who hopes the goal is a turning point for him personally too.

The attacking midfielder hit double figures last season - with 10 in the league and one in the League Trophy. But, looking to build on that return, it took longer for him to get off the mark this season than he had hoped.

"The boys were giving me a bit of stick to be fair," he smiled.

"I said 'I' told you I could do that, it was going to come!'

"Maybe it's just trying a bit too hard or not holding on to the ball when I should have or releasing it when I should have.

"It was absolutely amazing to get the goal, in front of the fans as well. I’m buzzing to have them back.

“And just to repay them a little bit, they pay their hard earned money.

“They turned out in great numbers.

“It was a great feeling and obviously even better for the boys to get the three points. A massive three points."