Alex Revell made a good impression on his first start

It was another great away day last Saturday as Latics dominated proceedings to win at Rochdale. Latics should probably have won by more than two goals on the day, but it was still a classy performance by Gary Caldwell’s team.

Caldwell has put together a very strong squad for League One and he continues to add quality through the loan market.

Middlesbrough loanee Yanic Wildschut has been a revelation since his arrival at the club and his powerful attacking play has caused havoc amongst opposition defences.

The fans are understandably clamouring for the flying Dutchman to be signed permanently, and if this is not possible, at least until the end of the season.

The addition of Cardiff City loanee Alex Revell has further enhanced Wigan’s forward line, and if his performance at Spotland is anything to go by, he will be a success at Wigan.

Vice-captain Jason Pearce’s return to the starting eleven has got to be a big bonus and his no-nonsense defending at Rochdale helped the back four to keep a clean sheet for the first time away from home.

As one of the promotion favourites at the beginning of the season Latics were expected to be at the top of the table, but despite an indifferent start they are now rising to the promotion challenge.

Latics have a large squad with strength in-depth with only Kevin McNaughton currently on the injured list. The competition for places is now hotting up with at least two players vying for each place in the first team.

The mood at the club is buoyant and if they can maintain the momentum the prospects are looking good.

Latics are also going well in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, making the dream of a third Football League Trophy success a real possibility.

The prospect of playing in a Wembley final will be a major incentive for the players and should help to give more squad players game time and further galvanise the club.

Latics are now ten games unbeaten in League One, fifth in the table and only four points behind top team Gillingham.

The next three games are Shrewsbury Town (H), Burton Albion (H) and Southend United (A) and should provide a good indication of the team’s promotion credentials as they seek to move into the automatic promotion places.

This article was first published in the 12th Man column for the Wigan Evening Post on Friday 20th November 2015.