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Latics alive and kicking
Reporter: Matthew Chambers
Date online: 19 January 2012
PAUL Dickov came out fighting after suffering a half-time blow in Athletic’s bid to reach a Wembley final.
Chesterfield claimed the spoils in the first leg of the Northern area final of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy with second-half goals from Scott Boden and ex-Athletic man Danny Whitaker, who converted a penalty after Jack Lester had been felled.
In between, Robbie Simpson rasped in an equaliser at the B2net Stadium, shortly after out-of-touch hitman Shefki Kuqi had rattled the crossbar with a spot-kick he earned for himself.
The result means re-jigged Athletic – who suffered the loss of defender Zander Diamond to injury in the pre-match warm-up, James Tarkowski stepping in very ably – now need to win the second leg at Boundary Park on Monday week to fulfil the dream of appearing in the showpiece final in the capital.
“It is all to play for with the second leg at our place,” said Athletic manager Dickov, whose side had plenty of shots on the night, too many of which were wild and off target from long range.
“I am very disappointed with the goals we conceded.
“James Tarkowski and others have told me that for their penalty, Tarky played the ball.
“But it should never have got to that stage in the first place and we should have cleared the danger beforehand.
“With their first goal, we constantly talk about taking too many touches in the middle of the park and giving the ball away and stopping crosses.
“It is bitterly disappointing because they did it a couple of times in the first half and we thought we had sorted it out.
“As long as we defend properly, I am confident. Our defending here was really sloppy at times but we will score goals.
“We had the blow with Zander going out, but Tarky came in and was magnificent.
“Shefki is disappointed and it is always like that when you miss a penalty.
“We had chances and their goalkeeper made some good saves.
“Our decision-making wasn’t the best. We are at our best when we work the ball and when we did that, we looked really threatening.”
Comments
No problem in the replay. Never a penalty, but a great dive by an old headed forward. Chesterfield have had their big match for the season. Next match they will be put in their place.
we need to get this right the return leg.
All to play for in second leg! With a repeat of last night’s performance it should be akin to the Alamo with Latics as the Mexicans. I hope that our recent new found support is able to make the difference. They can create the atmosphere that has been lacking at BP in the last few years. And at £12 the price is right for what is simply a ‘going to Wembly’ match.
Why not give another young one a chance. Tarky took his and deserves to stay in after last nights outstanding performance as quoted by PD. So bring in Winchester,Millar and Mellor we have nothing to loose.
Yet again - and "AGAIN" is the word - Dickov moans about a decision which HE feels went against Latics. He tries to make an excuse for Chesterfield being awarded a penalty yet I assume he feels that every decision which went in Latics' favour, including their penalty, were fully justified.
Agree with spdij666 - Lee is one of our best attacking options when he gets forward from right back. Playing him out of position negates this. Even if PD thinks Black is not an option Mellor has done well at left back but wasn't even in the original squad. Keep it simple Paul!
Have Your Say
no wonder the defending was sloppy, both lee and parker are played out of positon lees a right back not left. why didnt black play at left back since pd changed this at liverpool we have lost all 3 matches.Tarky and movoto did a great job, also furman was missed badly .
By spdij666 @ 19/01/2012 15:55:31