Latics TV | Paul Cook's post-Cardiff City thoughts.
Kieffer Moore scored twice, but Latics were pegged back to 2-2.
Another point on the board for Latics, as the gaffer praises fighting spirit.

Speaking on Latics TV after his side's 2-2 draw at Cardiff City in the Sky Bet Championship, Paul Cook expressed his pride at the way his players performed in the Welsh capital:

"I'm delighted with the effort from the lads. It was always going to be a tough fixture after the way Tuesday night went.

"We were excellent today and I'm really pleased. We came under immense pressure at times, certainly from set pieces and long throws, and the physicality of Sean Morrison.

"We're really disappointed with the first goal because we knew those situations were coming. We defended manfully in the second half and still looked a threat going forward.

"It's another little point, it's away from home at a tough place to come and we scored a couple of goals, so we've got a lot of reasons to be happy.

"We tried to dominate the ball and frustrate them with our possesion. It was always going to be tough because Neil (Harris) has got them on a really good run and they're pushing towards the play-offs."

On his double goal scorer Moore, Cook added:

"I'm delighted for Kieffer with his goals. He's worked so hard and he can be a focal point of how we play. It's tough sometimes when you're on a run and you're not scoring, so to come here where Wales play a lot of their football and get himself two goals is really good for him.

"Kieffer won't have made many friends in Cardiff, but I suppose he will have elsewhere in Wales."

Another man Cook was pleased with was Leon Balogun, the defender making his first start for Latics since joining on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion on transfer deadline day:

"Leon (Balogun) is excellent. He's composed, he sees things a lot more quickly and senses danger, his reading of the game is excellent.

"We had to defend well today. I know we conceded two goals, but we came under a lot of pressure, so I'm really pleased for the lads and they can have a good trip back now.

"It's been a tough week, so we'll give them a couple of days off before the preparations begin for Millwall at home."

Thanking Latics' travelling support, the gaffer added:

"The support was fantastic today. To see every single on of them clapping the players off the pitch makes me very happy.

"It can be tough for everyone, for the fans, the players and the staff, but we're digging in away from home and the lads are doing really well."

Reaction | Paul Cook reflects on Latics' 2-2 draw at Cardiff City