We can enjoy quarter-final after late win, says Wigan boss Paul Cook - 7M sport

We can enjoy quarter-final after late win, says Wigan boss Paul Cook



Posted Thursday, March 15, 2018 by PA

We can enjoy quarter-final after late win, says Wigan boss Paul Cook

Wigan boss Paul Cook is happy to be heading into their FA Cup quarter-final with Southampton on the back of a morale-boosting league win.

Michael Jacobs struck in stoppage time as the Latics beat Bradford 1-0 and moved back into League One automatic promotion spots.

Manchester City’s conquerors can now focus on taking another Premier League scalp on Sunday having returned to winning ways in the league following two successive draws.

Cook said: “To win at that time in the game is great for the lads.

“I think the game was petering out to a 0-0. It was an evenly contested game. It was a difficult pitch – no team could really get control.

“I think we looked the more likely to win the game without really creating any clear-cut chances.

“We now go into a big cup tie on Sunday, which is a great occasion for the club. We’ll certainly enjoy it.

“We’ll give it our best to try and get to Wembley which would be a great achievement for the players and club. If we were to be knocked out by Southampton, that’s life and we’ll concentrate on the league.”

A game of few opportunities was settled by Jacobs in the first minute of added time after he was set up by substitute Will Grigg’s flick.

The Latics moved above Shrewsbury on goal difference and sit five points behind leaders Blackburn.

Cook, whose side have three games in hand on Rovers, added: “Tonight I think Blackburn and Shrewsbury will be really disappointed because of the timing of the goal.

“We have 12 games to go and we know if we keep wining our games we’ll be promoted.”

Cook was forced to replace midfielder Nick Powell in the second half due to an injury.

The Wigan boss said: “He’s feeling his hamstring and we take no chances with him. We’ll wait and see for Sunday.”

Bradford boss Simon Grayson took plenty of positives after finally taking charge of his first home game a month after joining the club.

“When you analyse the game I don’t think there was a great deal between the teams,” Grayson said.

“There was a lot of endeavour, work-rate and a good attitude from the players. I don’t think any of them have left anything on the grass.

“It’s ultimately at the top end of the pitch where you try and win games and we didn’t have that bit of quality which mattered.

“To concede a late goal like we did is a kick in the teeth.”

A ninth league game without a win laves the Bantams six points off a play-off place.

Grayson added: “We’re disappointed tonight but we go back into work tomorrow.

“Ultimately, there are 11 games to go. We can still achieve the target of getting into the play-offs.”

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