Manager delighted with his side’s performance but acknowledges results have to come for supporters.

Paul Cook | “The last three performances have been very, very strong”
Manager admits results have to come for his side and their supporters.
Cook adds praise for centre backs Kal Naismith and Cedric Kipre

Wigan Athletic manager Paul Cook once again praised his side’s performance but acknowledged they have to find a way to win as they drew for the third successive game.

Latics may feel they could and possibly should have won their last three matches based on performance, but they found themselves taking just a point from Monday night’s trip to Blackburn Rovers.

Cook’s side had an abundance of chances at Ewood Park but couldn’t make them count as former loanee Christian Walton made a string of fine saves for the hosts.

Reflecting post-match, Cook said:

“We are playing well at the minute; unfortunately it is not the result the players or the fans want.

“The last three performances have been very, very strong – they really have – against three very good teams.

“We are creating chances, getting big moments in the games, the lads in general are playing well so hopefully we can keep in that vein of form ahead of a big game against Derby on Boxing Day.”

Cook was also pleased with the effort from the club’s supporters, with over 2,000 making the trip to Ewood Park to back their side.

“There are a list of things that can be levelled at us which are valid but certainly the work ethic from the players and the desire to be successful I think is there in abundance.

“The fans were great tonight, credit to our fans travelling over in them numbers because we are not doing well in the league.

“They really got behind the team tonight and that was really pleasing to see and the lads were delighted with that in the dressing room.”

At the halfway point of the season, Latics sit a point from safety and Cook says there is a long way to go for his side.

“The level of performance we can be happy with; there is a long way to go in the season and we have a job to do within the league,” he explained.

“It is a full schedule for the lads; they will be in every day and it is recovery, rest and it could be a good Christmas for us if we can start to take more points.”

Paul Cook | “The last three performances have been very, very strong”