Athletic lifted by triple tonic

Reporter: by TONY BUGBY
Date online: 13 October 2009

ATHLETIC have received a triple dose of cheer as they prepare for Saturday’s Boundary Park visit of Southampton.

Alan Sheehan, Sean Gregan and Nick Blackman, who have been injured, are all expected to feature in one of the glamour games of Athletic’s Coca-Cola League One campaign.

Sheehan missed Saturday’s goalless draw at Charlton with an ankle injury sustained the previous week against Yeovil.

Though the on-loan left back has yet to train since then, Athletic’s medical staff are optimistic about his chances of returning this weekend.

Central-defender Gregan received a whack on his ankle on Saturday but managed to complete the 90 minutes at The Valley.

Gregan missed training yesterday, but he ought to be back in action by the end of the week.

Blackman, meanwhile, came through his first competitive action for a month without mishap last night.

The on-loan Blackburn Rovers striker played for an hour in the reserve-team’s 3-0 loss against Manchester United in the Manchester Senior Cup.

Blackman, who was a non-playing substitute at Charlton, had missed the previous four matches with a foot injury which was diagnosed as a collapsed arch.

But with special supports in his boots, the 19-year-old reported no problems in the cup tie at Hyde.

Athletic’s next group game in the Manchester Senior Cup is against Bolton at Hyde on Monday, October 26.

Athletic midfield player Dale Stephens is staying at Rochdale for a third month, though there is a 24-hour recall clause in his loan.

Stephens has, however, managed only two substitute appearances lasting a total of 36 minutes during his two months at Spotland, though he scored against Morecambe.

LESLEY Schofield, who worked behind the scenes at Boundary Park for many years, has died at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice after losing her long battle against cancer at the age of 54.

Lesley, a lifelong Athletic fan, had been heavily involved in the running of Junior Latics as well as working in the laundry and cleaning at Boundary Park.

The funeral is at Oldham Crematorium on Friday at 3.30pm.