Players take heed of Dickov

GIVE THEM A CLAP... three Athletic fans join in the celebrations after their side’s third goal, courtesy of Matt Derbyshire (left), against Doncaster.

THE EXTRA energy shown in piling players into the penalty area was a crucial factor in Athletic’s third win in four matches at the weekend.

Paul Dickov’s instructions to midfielders to supplement attacking duo Jose Baxter and Matt Derbyshire were carried out to a tee.

“A big thing about our play was getting bodies in the box,” said Dickov, whose captain Dean Furman was instrumental in creating the two second-half goals for Derbyshire in the 3-1 FA Cup victory.

“Dean Furman, James Wesolowski; Lee Croft and Cristian Montano at the back post; if we get bodies in there we are going to create chances.

“Matt Derbyshire got his goals purely by having men in and around him in the area. Whereas recently, the ball has been coming towards him with four defenders marking one player.

“Dean was excellent and it was a captain’s performance.

“It is pleasing when you work on something in training and the players go out there and do it.”

Athletic’s next game is an npower League One clash away to Colchester on Saturday.