LAURENT Banide believes his side’s spirit can help them start to climb the League Two table.

Latics are third from bottom after David Wheater’s header 13 minutes from time salvaged a 2-2 draw at Plymouth Argyle last Saturday.

The Frenchman believes things are coming together after a tough start to life at Boundary Park and is confident the character shown at Home Park is the perfect base to work from.

“Saturday was important because we can build a team around spirit and we saw it getting better,” said Banide, whose side host Grimsby on Saturday.

“For me the philosophy of football starts with the spirit, you must play collectively and must have the spirit for solidarity.

“We saw on Saturday after the second goal it was difficult to come back from because we should have scored before it.

“But we showed a very good reaction and it’s important for everybody because we can work with more confidence.”

Wheater and Johan Branger-Engone got the goals in Devon and were key to another important point. The former in particular has already made himself vital to Banide’s plans going forward since his move from Bolton, the Redcar Rock having taken over as captain from Mohamed Maouche.

The head coach insists, however, it is all about the collective.

“Everybody worked well on Saturday, so it’s difficult to talk about one player,” said Banide.

“The team is the star; we need to continue this

because everyone will have a chance to play and with our spirit, we can get more results like that.

“When you create opportunities and you play with a connection it’s important for the future.

“We saw a progression between the last two games, so we need to continue this into the next one and have a good result this Saturday.”