Perkins wants to pile on the pressure

David Perkins wants Wigan Athletic to '˜pile the pressure' on promotion rivals Burton and Walsall as they look to go top of League One for the first time this season.
David PerkinsDavid Perkins
David Perkins

Latics travel to struggling Shrewsbury this weekend, knowing they will overhaul long-time leaders Burton if they better the Brewers’ result at home to Bury.

Walsall are currently seven points adrift of the summit, with two games in hand after sitting out the Easter weekend.

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The Saddlers’ next three games are all away - at Sheffield United, Oldham and Gillingham - but they do boast the best away record in the division.

It points to a fascinating final month of the campaign, and Perkins says Latics are relishing the prospect of a sprint finish.

“We’re in a good position now, and we’re looking to pile the pressure on Walsall and Burton,” he told Wigan Today.

“We’re just trying to win every game we possibly can, and we look forward to Shrewsbury this weekend.

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“That will be another tough game, because Shrewsbury are down there and they’re fighting for the lives.

“Micky Mellon’s got his team very well organised, and they give 110 per cent every week.”

Latics have won their last three games - the first time they have done that all season - including a big double over the Easter period against Swindon and Rochdale.

“Six points – that was the target, that’s what we aimed for, and that’s what we 
got,” Perkins acknowledged.

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“We knew Rochdale would make it difficult for us, but there wouldn’t have been any excuses had we not managed to win the game.

“We were in the hotel the night before, the food was right, the cool-down was right – the preparation was spot on.

“We had to be patient, and we got there in the end.

“I’ve mentioned before how good our squad is.

“And it makes a big difference when you’re able to bring on players like Haris (Vuckic) and Conor (McAleny) and Craig Davies. When you’ve got that quality on the bench, it sends out a real message to the rest of the division.”