Wigan Athletic guest column - Will Grigg

To be honest, I thought we were the better side over the 90 minutes.

We were in total control in the first half, but the penalty came at a bad time for us.

They then get an early second goal at the start of the second half and, at a place like Fratton Park, it’s difficult to come back.

We threw everything at it in the second half, but the damage was done, and it just wasn’t meant to be.

Their goalkeeper was probably the man of the match, and I think that says a lot.

We had our chances, we just couldn’t get the three goals we needed.

But we all had a quick chat in the dressing room at the end, and the message was that we can’t be too disappointed.

It’s still in our own hands, it’s still up to us.

And we’ve always said that as long as it’s it’s in our hands, we’ll fully back ourselves. The confidence levels in the group won’t be affected too much.

We know we’re a good side, and we’ll back ourselves to bounce back this weekend against MK Dons.

I’m always disappointed not to start games, and I had to be content with a place on the bench at Portsmouth after picking up a calf strain against Oldham on Good Friday.

I was touch and go in the end as to whether I made it.

Fortunately we managed to get myself in a position where I was fit to make the bench, if the manager needed me.

When I woke up on Saturday morning there was no chance of me playing, so I was just happy to be involved.

To be fair, the physio and his team have done wonders to get me ready so quickly, and there’s been no reaction this week.

Having come off the bench in the second half, it was great to get on the scoresheet near the end.

It’s just a shame it came too late to make a difference to the result.

The goal took me to 20 for the season, which was obviously very pleasing on a personal note.

It was quite funny at the start of the season, when some people are doubting you, and people are asking the same questions.

For me, the 20-goal mark was always going to happen, it doesn’t surprise me in the slightest.

With eight games to go, I’m obviously resetting my target now...whether that’s 25, or even 30, we’ll see.

Certainly with the way things are going, I’d be very disappointed if I didn’t get a few more on the board.

At the moment, every game I play I feel I’m going to get chances, and I feel like I’m going to score.

I always tend to finish with a flourish, most of my goals usually come in the second half of the season for some reason.

And I’m feeling good at the moment, the lads are creating plenty of chances, so why not?

This weekend we face my old club, MK Dons, and it takes us back to the opening game of the season at their place.

I think that game had a little bit of everything, but thankfully we were able to get the only goal and pick up a great three points.

They’ve picked up a lot recently in nterms of results and will give us a tough game.

Both sides have got so much at stake, at both ends of the table.

But we know if we turn up and play as we can, we’ve got more than enough quality to win the game.

On a personal note, I really enjoyed my time with MK Dons.

It’s no secret it was one of the best periods of my career, and I’m grateful to them for the opportunity.

But at the same time, I won’t be holding anything back at the weekend!

I’d love to score against them as much as any other team.

I’ll always look out for their scores, and of course I don’t want to see them in danger of getting relegated.

I respect the fans, I respect the club, and that will never change.

But at the end of the day I’m a Wigan player now, and if I have to put them to the sword then that’s what I’ll do.

My old team-mate Lee Nicholls will be in goal for them, and he’ll be having nightmares after seeing what we can do in training during his time here...!

On a serious note, it’s all good fun against old mates.

But it’s a game we’ll be going all-out to win because we know how important the stakes are.

Will Grigg was speaking to Paul Kendrick