Town midfielder John Goddard described his side’s 2-0 victory over Oldham Athletic earlier today as “the perfect away performance.”
Despite having lost three league games on the bounce prior to the weekend, the Robins flew out of the traps at Boundary Park and were in control from the very get-go.
Jon Obika capped off a stunning team move with his second goal of the season inside the opening twenty minutes, before Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill wrapped up the three points shortly after the interval.
In truth, Town were unlucky not to have added further gloss to their scoreline having peppered the Oldham goal with a flurry of efforts.
But more insurance wasn’t needed as the visitors never looked in any danger of conceding, and Goddard was quick to hail the overall performance.
“I thought we were excellent today and we thoroughly deserved the win – it was the perfect away performance,” he said.
“A clean sheet at one end and looking threatening at the other end, so we’re very happy.
“Everyone upped it today. We’re disappointed with ourselves with the way the last few weeks have gone and we’ve been very honest as a group about that, we’re not going to shy away from the criticism and we’re going to take it on the chin.
“We know we can do better and I think today we’ve set a standard for ourselves to try and reach in the coming weeks.
“It is important that it is not a one off because we need to build on it.
“Today was the best we’ve played for a 90-minute spell this season. There were a lot of positives but there are still things we can work on as there always is.
“We’ll watch the video and try and work on a few things, but I thought today was a real improvement and everyone put a real shift in.
“Every player was a 7/10 and above and that’s what you need in this league, so hopefully we can get that on a regular basis.”
Goddard had a big hand in both of Town’s goals at Boundary Park, and the midfielder was thrilled to be able to help secure the three points.
“It was a lovely move for the first goal and it is what we try and work towards. We’re a passing side and when it comes together like that and we can finish it off with a goal, it’s a good feeling,” he continued.
“Jon Obika put it away really well as well, so I don’t know how many passes there were but it is one they might want to look at on Monday Night Football!
“I was pleased to be involved in both of the goals today. I felt good going forward, I felt I got into dangerous areas and I was just glad to contribute to the team.
“I’ve been in and out of the side since the start of the season, I’ve been waiting patiently for my chance and I’m just happy to have played a part.
“Two assists is a nice way to do that.”
Goddard also paid tribute to the army of Town fans who made the long trek up north earlier today.
“We had a good following here today and they were full of cheers at the end and they deserved that because it’s not been particularly good the last few weeks,” he added.
“It is always good to see them follow us on the road and the home fans have been great as well, so we just need to pay them back with some good performances and results.”
