Jon Whitney admitted his team were second best to Wigan this afternoon.
A goal in each half from former Saddler Will Grigg earned the promotion-chasing Latics a comfortable 2-0 victory at the DW Stadium.
And the boss had no complaints.
“We were beaten by the better team,” Whitney conceded.
“That is why they are one of the favourites. They have threats all over the pitch but we didn’t contain them well enough.
“I thought we were getting on top after the first 10 minutes and their goal came after a spell of 15-20 minutes when we were keeping it well.
“We got hit by the goal and the response wasn’t great. We can’t hide away from the fact that we conceded another penalty. It kills you.
“You can’t keep coming back from two-goals down. That is something we have to really look at.”
On a disappointing afternoon, Whitney felt the performance of Daniel Agyei – who twice went close after coming on as a second-half substitute – was the main positive to take from the game.
“A special moment to Daniel Agyei – he showed grit and determination,” Whitney added.
“Coming off the back of his goal on Tuesday, he was one big plus today – and I told him that afterwards.
“If anyone’s going to fight to get a shirt, I think he’s done that.”