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Boss salutes defenders despite another defeat

17/12/2003

IAIN Dowie took time out to praise his defenders after Latics' 2-1 defeat at Colchester United - a result that makes it nine league games without a win.

Although they conceded two goals, Dowie thought the young back four of Michael Clegg, Danny Hall, Will Haining and full debutant Adam Griffin stood out.

He said: "The average age of our back four was less than 23 and I thought they did really well. I thought Adam Griffin was particularly good and the boys gave me everything they had today.

"I was pleased with the full backs and the back four generally - they coped with quality players and yet, funnily enough, we still conceded two goals."

"We only had three or four attempts on goal to deal with ourselves and their winner is a wonderstrike from the edge of the box that maybe we should deal with.

"Perhaps Les Pogliacomi should make a save there but those things will turn around. I passionately believe Les is the best keeper in the league and it's a case of sticking in there and keeping positive."

At the opposite end, Latics were denied by a five-star goalkeeping display from Colchester's Simon Brown.

"Even Phil Parkinson (Colchester manager) said their keeper was the reason they won the game. He made six good saves and we had two or three excellent chances.

"You can't legislate for a goalkeeper playing like that but you should still maybe keep a clean sheet and win the game one-nil."