Athletic sink high-flying Cod Army

Photo: Anthony Miller

Lee Erwin celebrating

Athletic 2, Fleetwood 0

ATHLETIC gave their Sky Bet League One survival hopes another major boost with a superb victory against promotion-chasing Fleetwood at SportsDirect.com Park.

The Cod Army hadn't been beaten on their travels since November 12 last year, but they were soundly defeated here as Athletic remain unbeaten on their own patch since January.

Athletic were exceptionally good value for their lead at half-time.

They went in front after 25 minutes - though it was a rather fortuitous strike.

Paul Green whipped the ball in from the right flank and as Lee Erwin charged in to meet it, his effort flicked off the boot of veteran defender Nathan Pond before looping over a stunned Alex Cairns.

The Cod Army were never in it in the first period.

Ollie Banks produced a flying save from Cairns, while Erwin somehow scooped a chance over the top from two yards out.

In first-half stoppage-time, Erwin curled a superb strike inches wide after being tee'd up by the recalled Aaron Amadi-Holloway.

There was a scare for Athletic two minutes after the restart when David Ball crashed a low strike just past the post, but they were soon to double their lead in superb style.

This time it definitely was Erwin's goal as he took an Amadi-Holloway knockdown before swivelling and volleying home clinically from 12 yards.

Erwin almost made it three two minutes later when his deflected strike was superbly tipped round the post by Cairns.

The same player was again thwarted by Cairns late on.