Take a break

ON THE ATTACK . . . Ryan Flynn makes a break during the defeat against Bristol Rovers.

GOAL-SHY Athletic will rest up in order to find some vital extra energy for the Rochdale test at Spotland.

After drawing a sixth blank in eight home games in defeat to Bristol Rovers, manager Stephen Robinson lamented that his weary side were simply unable to summon up the legs for the task.

Two goals from set pieces did for the hosts in front of a season-best crowd of 4,394 at SportsDirect.com Park.

It was particularly disappointing coming only four days after the stirring effort in despatching Sky Bet League One front-runners Scunthorpe 2-0.

"If we are take a positive from it, it's that we still created chances and opportunities and kept going," said Robinson, who was again without Lee Croft due to the winger's back injury.

"I never question the players' desire or attitude. The group of players we have got here, the attitude towards the club is terrific.

"But the recovery and energy levels at times, for four or five of them, looked way off from what they were on Tuesday night.

"We did have fears over Cameron Dummigan, Carl Winchester, Lee Erwin and possibly Ryan Flynn for the amount of work put in against Scunthorpe.

"We don't have that calibre of player to come in as a like-for-like, whereas Bristol Rovers have done it for three years where they change it all the time.

"It's difficult to play against, as you don't know what you are up against or what system.

"They had a freshness about them and credit to their management team."

Championship strugglers Derby (seven) are the only other club in the EFL yet to hit double figures.

Athletic have now scored a total of nine goals in 15 outings, but Robinson feels that while his side are creating chances they are just not taking them.

Changes could now be in the offing for the short trip to Spotland on Saturday, against a Rochdale side who sit ninth in the table - 13 places and six points clear of Athletic - after a 2-0 defeat at Coventry City on Saturday, which saw the Sky Blues move up to 21st.

"We have players chomping at the bit to get in now," Robinson (left) added.

"Maybe I have to look at even when we do win, to freshen it and change things up.

"We need to make sure we bounce back.

"It (Rochdale) is a big game and the crowd will back us.

"The boys need to get their energy levels back.

"I have no doubts about their desire and commitment.

"It's making sure they are able to produce the levels of energy.

"Certain players need to be fitter."

ATHLETIC'S home game against Doncaster in the FA Cup first round has been confirmed for Saturday, November 5 (3pm kick-off).

Ticket prices have been set at £10 adults, £5 concessions and £1 under-12s.