Latics guest column: Shaun MacDonald

It was such a disappointing feeling after the game at Brighton on Monday.
Shaun MacDonaldShaun MacDonald
Shaun MacDonald

I thought we actually performed very well – especially in possession – against a very good team.

After a lack of concentration, we found ourselves 1-0 down.

Then, once the second one goes in, it’s an uphill battle all of a sudden.

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Powelly gave us a little bit of open once again by coming on and scoring, but it wasn’t to be.

It’s never nice to lose and, with the position we find ourselves in, it’s very hard to take.

‘G’ (Graham Barrow) touched on it all week that Brighton are a team that latches on to your mistakes.

We made a few mistakes as a team – including myself, giving the ball away once or twice – and it’s so frustrating.

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All we can do is remain positive and keep fighting – and that’s what we will do.

If we’re not able to do that, well there’s no point, is there?

We’re still in there and, until it’s dead and buried, we’ll keep fighting.

I’ve touched on it in previous interviews, but we’ve got a very honest bunch here, and ‘G’ will keep us fighting and believing.

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Credit to Powelly, he’s had such a tough time with injury, but all the lads know about the ability he’s got.

He’s also a good character to have around the place, and hopefully he can get himself fully fit as soon as possible.

If he can stay injury-free, he’s got a very bright future ahead of him in the game.

He actually came into the dressing room after the Brighton game and apologised for not passing when he went on that great run in stoppage-time.

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But knowing the form he’s in, he had every right to take the shot, and certainly no-one was pointing the finger at him.

If that goes in, he’s managed to pull us out of it yet again.

Unfortunately it didn’t, but he came on and did everything he could for the team.

Games against Cardiff are always special for me, being a Swansea lad, and this weekend will be no different.

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Wales is not a massive country, it’s only about 40 minutes between Swansea and Cardiff.

You ask any fan of either team and they’ll tell you all about the rivalry that exists.

You probably don’t see that when you’re not from that area, but for Wales it’s as big as it gets.

I said before the away game there in October, I wasn’t really sure what it would be like for me as a former Swansea player, regarding their fans.

But to be honest, that doesn’t bother me at all,

My total focus and concentration is about going out there and performing for the team.

As long as we can win the game and give ourselves the best possible chance, that’s all that matters.