IF WE can put in a similar level of performance as we did on Saturday every week between now and May 8, there is no doubt in my mind that we will still be a Championship side.

Both on the pitch and in the stands, we did ourselves proud as we toppled the league leaders – even if we did need a little bit of help from Jason Roberts and his contender for miss of the season.

Credit must go to Stan Ternent, not only for changing the shape of the side for the game, but also for the half-time introduction of Mama Sidibe, who caused the Wigan defence no end of problems.

We rattled the Latics in the first half, not least when star man Darius Henderson clattered into goalkeeper John Filan.

At the time, I couldn’t understand why Darius was booked, but having seen it again, the referee would appear to have got it spot on. However, the reaction of Filan and Matt Jackson wasn’t exactly friendly either!

We came out flying in the second half and it seemed like just a matter of time before we scored – and it’s been a while since I’ve been able to say that.

Even though we didn’t hold onto the lead for long, we showed fight and spirit to get back in front, and despite Wigan hitting the woodwork three times, we held on for a massive three points.

Of course, one of those efforts that struck the post was the one from Roberts. The £1.4m striker made few friends at Priestfield last season with a somewhat unnecessary goal celebration in front of the Rainham End, but his popularity has increased after he somehow contrived to head against the upright from three yards with the goal gaping.

To be sure of safety, I would say we need another five wins, and looking at the fixtures in front of us, I wouldn’t say it’s out of the question. But one of the games I have marked down as a ‘must win’ comes on Saturday at Millmoor when we travel to face bottom side Rotherham.

Hopefully we can use the belief gained from beating Wigan to pick up our second away win of the season and maybe, just maybe, move out of the bottom three for the first time since October.