Dougie Freedman is backing his Wanderers defence to regain their stubborn streak when Charlton visit the Reebok Stadium on Saturday.
Sunday’s derby defeat at Wigan saw the Whites concede more than once for the first time in 12 games since a 3-1 reverse at Brighton.
But Freedman has been quick to point out mitigating circumstances, believing his side were on the end of harsh decisions for two of Wigan’s goals.
He was unhappy with the decision to award a penalty against Matt Mills for handball and then felt Nick Powell was in an offisde position before he scored the Latics’ second.
Aside from that, the Wanderers boss felt his current first-choice back line stood up to their task well against a talented Wigan attack.
Freedman said: “It was difficult to take some of the decisions that were given in the game against Wigan but sometimes these decisions go for you and some go against you.
“We are talking about a couple of goals that were very difficult decisions to take.
“Wigan really only had two more chances.
“We looked very solid and composed in defence and we were playing against a top side.
“They were up against Callum McManaman and James McLean and defended well.
“Apart from the goals, the lads have to take huge credit for the spirit they showed.
“The result was not to be for us but if we keep performing like that then the results will come.”
It was a fourth Lancashire derby of the season without a win for Freedman after draws against Burnley and Blackpool and defeats to Blackburn and now Wigan.
But Freedman is quick to point out all of those battles for county bragging rights have been away from home.
And he says his team should not be judged until the end of the season.
The Scot added: “We have played at Burnley, Blackburn, Blackpool and Wigan, they are four away games.
“You have to look at the situation over the course of the season.
“We pride ourselves with the transition from defence to attack and I felt we did that very well.
“We were unfortunate that we did not take our chances to win the game like you need to in a derby.
“But, as people saw on Sunday, we showed passion, spirit and desire – it just was not our day.”
Sunday’s derby defeat at Wigan saw the Whites concede more than once for the first time in 12 games since a 3-1 reverse at Brighton.
But Freedman has been quick to point out mitigating circumstances, believing his side were on the end of harsh decisions for two of Wigan’s goals.
He was unhappy with the decision to award a penalty against Matt Mills for handball and then felt Nick Powell was in an offisde position before he scored the Latics’ second.
Aside from that, the Wanderers boss felt his current first-choice back line stood up to their task well against a talented Wigan attack.
Freedman said: “It was difficult to take some of the decisions that were given in the game against Wigan but sometimes these decisions go for you and some go against you.
“We are talking about a couple of goals that were very difficult decisions to take.
“Wigan really only had two more chances.
“We looked very solid and composed in defence and we were playing against a top side.
“They were up against Callum McManaman and James McLean and defended well.
“Apart from the goals, the lads have to take huge credit for the spirit they showed.
“The result was not to be for us but if we keep performing like that then the results will come.”
It was a fourth Lancashire derby of the season without a win for Freedman after draws against Burnley and Blackpool and defeats to Blackburn and now Wigan.
But Freedman is quick to point out all of those battles for county bragging rights have been away from home.
And he says his team should not be judged until the end of the season.
The Scot added: “We have played at Burnley, Blackburn, Blackpool and Wigan, they are four away games.
“You have to look at the situation over the course of the season.
“We pride ourselves with the transition from defence to attack and I felt we did that very well.
“We were unfortunate that we did not take our chances to win the game like you need to in a derby.
“But, as people saw on Sunday, we showed passion, spirit and desire – it just was not our day.”
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