It meant Scunthorpe overtook the Latics at the top of the League One table, going three points clear.
Sheridan pointed to the enforced absence of key players as a key reason for the defeat.
"We weren't at the races on Saturday and it was clear we missed the three players out," he said.
"It is always difficult for lads to come in when they haven't been playing a lot of football."
The Latics head to Port Vale on Tuesday with defenders Will Haining and Neal Eardley ruled out through one-match bans, while Stefan Stam and Paul Edwards picked up knocks on Saturday.
"We just have to get on with it and go with what I have got - I will just try to pick my best team available," added Sheridan.
"My job now is to get back to winning ways and I might have to bring in a couple of experienced players on loan.
"Games are coming thick and fast and we have to crack on."