Why we must hold our heads high

Latics’ assistant manager writes every week for Chron Sport

SET-PIECE specialists Dagenham and Redbridge visit Boundary Park tomorrow and will provide a stern test.

Corners and free-kicks are a massive part of the Daggers’ game, which is a red flag for me straight away. We have not always defended set-pieces as well as we should have done this season, though there has been an improvement in recent games.

They will also have their tails up, because in midweek they got a surprise 4-1 win over Brentford.

John Still’s men are one of the best teams in the league at playing a direct kind of game. Everyone knows what their jobs are in that kind of system.

Reuben Hazell and Neil Trotman got their heads on everything Hartlepool threw at us in the 4-0 midweek win, so hopefully they can replicate that tomorrow.

All the players worked hard and defended well. The first half was quite slow and even though we were a goal up at the break, we had a chat in the dressing room about the fact our approach was a little too patient.

I think our style of play in that first period suited our opponents more than ourselves.

We passed the ball around quicker in the second half and reverted back to doing what we are good at.

Taking a look around the pitch, I thought the lads looked strong, fit and hungry.

Judging by the finishes, the players are oozing confidence at the moment.