Wilko defies illness to seal victory

Photo: Alan Howarth

YOU BEAUTY: Conor Wilkinson fires home to give Athletic victory.

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Crewe 0, Athletic 1

DEAN Holden acknowledged that searching questions had been asked in the days leading up to a tricky-looking league assignment at relegation-threatened Crewe.

But the outcome at sun-soaked Gresty Road will go a long way to answering any criticisms or concerns.

This wasn't the prettiest of victories against a Crewe side who gave everything without always parading quality. But Athletic got the job done, thanks to a determined performance at the back, grit and downright hard work from the midfielders, and a clinical finish from fans' favourite Conor Wilkinson.

The Bolton Wanderers loanee dragged himself off his sick bed to take his place on the subs’ bench for this crucial game. But the way he celebrated after tucking a shot neatly past Athletic old boy Paul Rachubka indicated there is definitely no lack of spirit in Holden's squad. And spirit is what the Athletic boss needs to continue to harness.

There is still plenty to play for, notably tomorrow night when neighbours Rochdale are in town for a potentially-feisty local derby.

In terms of pre-match team news at Gresty Road, Holden ended up making four alterations - three of them forced - to his starting line-up following the midweek defeat at the hands of MK Dons. Jake Kean had picked up a leg injury the day before the game, so young Joel Coleman was handed his full Athletic debut between the sticks. By the final whistle he certainly hadn't disappointed.

Brian Wilson and Wilkinson had been ill so were only thought fit enough to make the subs' bench, to be replaced by loan capture Anthony Gerrard and Rhys Turner respectively.

The remaining change saw Danny Philliskirk return to midfield at the expense of Timothee Dieng.

Despite six defeats from the previous seven games, Athletic surged out of the blocks and were suitably roared on by a 737-strong travelling army.

Front-man Turner almost made a perfect start to life in the starting XI when after only five minutes he latched on to a smart pass from Jonathan Forte before charging past two defenders and unleash a crisp strike, brilliantly saved by Rachubka.

Athletic played a well-worked set-piece move that almost came off; a Mike Jones corner was flicked on by Philliskirk into Carl Winchester's path - but the talented Irishman was thwarted as Rachubka raced off his line to smother a shot.

The Railwaymen gradually clawed their way into the game and skipper Adam Lockwood was heroic when called upon to nod a goalbound Harry Davis header off the line.

When a shot from Jones just after the restart almost struck the corner flag, it pretty much summed up the game until that point.

The fare didn't improve much until the lanky Wilkinson came on in the 64th minute and bagged the winner 10 minutes later.

With 16 minutes to go the match was decided by some impressive opportunism. After an initial strike from Philliskirk had been beaten away by Rachubka, Forte retrieved the ball, fed Philliskirk and found Wilkinson, who drove the ball past the 'keeper.

It was an unerring finish and a rare highlight in what had been a largely uninspiring clash - but Holden didn't mind a bit.