Just reward

get in: Matt Palmer scores the only goal of the game against Blackpool

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JOHN Sheridan felt his side was well worth the three points collected against Blackpool last night - a win that teed up the team perfectly for the home derby against Rochdale on Saturday.

Matt Palmer’s well-worked strike in the second half was enough to see Athletic leapfrog their rivals in the bottom four of Sky Bet League One.

The result left Sheridan’s men level on points with Doncaster in 20th place — but still with a game in hand over Rovers and the side above them, Fleetwood, who lost 1-0 at home to Walsall.

“It was an excellent goal to win the game,” said Sheridan. “I knew it was going to be a scrappy game.

“Blackpool have had some good results away from home and they drop deep and make life difficult for you.

“It was a scrappy game in the first half and we didn’t really get going. I was a bit annoyed at half-time and I made my feelings known to the players. Second half, we were the better team and we deserved to win.”

Aaron Amadi-Holloway played the pass for Palmer to score and along with strike partner Curtis Main, grafted hard up front to help keep Blackpool on the back foot.

“I know they will give me 110 per cent,” added Sheridan of his strikers. “They are both players who will do that. They put themselves about and even work too hard at times for my liking. They have got to know the game a bit more and who they are up against.

“It is about getting three points from games now and you could see the relief from everyone. Supporters got behind us.

“We have to concentrate on ourselves now. We have a great game coming up against a very good team in Rochdale and I love the way Keith Hill's teams play.

“It is a derby game and we have that bit of belief that we have that chance to get out of the bottom four. We have to just carry on the momentum and continue to win games.”