White Hart pain drove Latics on

EMMERSON BOYCE has revealed how Wigan were spurred on by the “mickey-taking” they suffered after last year’s humiliating defeat to Tottenham following their shock win at White Hart Lane.

Boyce was one of five survivors from November’s 9-1 demolition at the hands of Spurs to feature in Saturday’s shock 1-0 victory, a result which also helped the Latics put their horrendous start to the Premier League season behind them.

For defender Boyce, the outcome was the perfect redemption for last year’s debacle, which saw him and his team-mates become the butt of unflattering jokes.

“Last year hurt us,” said the 30-year-old. “Getting beaten 9-1 is not nice and a lot of people took the mickey out of us for that, so to come here and keep a clean sheet, I think we got some of our respect back.”

As well as atoning for last year’s corresponding fixture, Wigan made amends for their opening two Premier League games, which saw them ship 10 goals.

“We want to start our season now,” said Boyce. “To get a result here and to keep a clean sheet here will hopefully be a springboard for us.”