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Flahavan in a hurry
Reporter: MATTHEW CHAMBERS
Date online: 18 March 2010
Boundary Park ROUNDUP: STAR man Darryl Flahavan believes that Athletic will be a different side if and when the threat of relegation is banished for the season.
The on-loan Crystal Palace goalkeeper made the first appearance of his second spell of the season with Athletic at Stockport County on Tuesday night.
He was in superb form too, denying Jabo Ibehre when the muscular striker bore down on goal and flinging an arm into the air athletically to halt a goal-bound Johnny Mullins header.
Those saves helped Athletic grind out a 1-0 victory at a sandy Edgeley Park and Flahavan hopes that his team can register a few more quick victories — starting with Brighton at Boundary Park on Saturday — in order that they can relax and play some more attractive football.
“If we can get another win it will go towards helping us hit that points target of safety, which we want to do as soon as we can,” said the 31-year-old, who played eight matches for Athletic earlier this term before suffering a fractured cheekbone in a freak incident at Wycombe Wanderers.
attitude
“It will be a huge release and will lift the pressure off everyone’s shoulders and hopefully then we can relax and play a bit more.
“We came to Stockport and it was all about attitude. A lot of teams will come here and not fancy it, and they will get turned over.
“But we dug in and in the end it was a massive three points for us. It was a great win for the boys.
“The conditions were difficult and the pitch was terrible.
“It is very difficult and we couldn’t play it from the back as we like to do simply because of the conditions — the pitch is more suited to rugby than football.
“It was bobbling everywhere and you can’t get the ball down. When it is rolling to you it is going all over the place.
“We had to play the pitch really and we did that well, getting the three points. It was a massive win for us.
“We didn’t get started in the first 20 to 25 minutes. But luckily enough I pulled off a couple of saves which I was happy with and we got to 1-0 up.
“And in the second half I felt we were very solid.”
Flahavan had to bide his time for his latest chance with Athletic, having taken up a place on the substitutes’ bench in the last nine fixtures prior to Stockport.
That was partly due to the good form of Dean Brill. Now, though, having recovered from fracturing a cheekbone after smashing into the goal frame at Adams Park, Flahavan is happy to be able to show what he can do once again.
He said: “I had the opportunity to come back and you have got to wait to get your chance.
“I was out for six or seven weeks with my broken cheekbone and it was then a case of getting match fit and sharp again.
“At the time I came back in, Dean (Brill) was doing well.
“Luckily enough I have now been given a chance again and it is up to me to take it.”
Comments
Drama, Sheridan wasn't averse to bringing in the odd loan signing or four.
It seems to be part and parcel of lower league football these days, probably due to the financial constraints a lot of clubs are facing. I agree that some of Penney's choices could be better.
And Stephens (given a chance by Penney, not Sheridan) has been growing in confidence the past few weeks, especially at Boundary Park. He's also getting stuck in a lot more, which is good to see.
Fair comment Mark but I still can't give credence to the view, from anyone, that DP should get any credit after the way he has destroyed the season for fans and, let's be honest, taken the club backwards. If Penney has given anyone an opportunity it was forced upon him by circumstances. However, some other club might be prepared to offer him a job if the team stays up. The club must get rid as soon as possible. Here's to happier times.
A lot of the players have to take some flak as well. If you work for a company who pays your wages, you put the effort in. If you don't like the manager, ask to be put on the transfer list or to be loaned out. Just don't insult the fans by not putting any effort in.
Penney will be here until the end of the season. It will be interesting to see what action the owners take when they see the season ticket sales.
worthingtons loss was penneys bit of luck he had to bring stevens back.
Have Your Say
Good luck to Flahavan. However, he should remember that it's DP in charge and whilst he's there it's unlikely we'll see any top rate football being played. The team might well survive but not because of skill (sadly lacking) and changes must be made next year. After all, new loanees need to be brought in!!!
By dramasingapore @ 18/03/2010 12:31:21