Wigan Athletic goalie on clean sheet heroics

Latics haven’t conceded a goal since Kal Naismith put through his own net in the 2-2 draw at Cardiff on February 15.

And a repeat of last weekend’s shut-out in the 2-0 victory at Huddersfield – which lifted Latics to the dizzy heights of 17th place in the Championship – would strengthen their chances of avoiding the drop.

“Huddersfield was perfect for us, we picked up where we left off,” acknowledged the Scotland No.1.

“After a break, you don’t know where you’re going to be form-wise, and it was the first time any of the lads have played in that type of situation.

“First and foremost, it was great to get a clean sheet, especially with where we are at the minute, because we need the points.”

It’s now 485 minutes since Marshall last picked the ball out of his net, and he admitted: “It does give you special satisfaction.

“I think in this league the most important thing to do is to keep clean sheets.

“Most teams have goals in them, so if you can keep really strong at the back and keep that clean sheet record, it helps.

“For most of those games it’s been very quiet for me, the lads have done great.

“But as a goalkeeper it’s good for confidence to get them.”

Marshall was only called on to make two meaningful contributions against Huddersfield – but a blinding save in either half showed his alert levels remained high.

“Concentration is always key,” he recognised.

“You’re only going to be called upon two or three times a game.

“But it’s good when you can make those saves. As I say, it’s been very rare on this run we’ve been on, so long may it continue.

“I didn’t realise I was on five (clean sheets) until someone mentioned it, because it’s been such a long time since our last game.

“Hopefully I can get another one to add to the run on Saturday, and we can keep it going until the rest of the season.”

Latics return to the DW for the first time in more than three months this weekend.

And Marshall admits it will be a strange occasion, playing at home without the advantage of having partisan support.

“A lot of people have spoken about the home advantage not really mattering just now,” he added.

“But we’ve been down the DW three or four times training just to get used to it.

“We played Preston at Deepdale in a friendly last week.

“It’s almost like pre-season in terms of the build-up and the atmosphere so, where we are in the league, it’s vital we hit the ground running and we’re mentally focused and concentrated.

“Our home form is excellent, so we’ll be looking to continue that in the next two home games.”