Set-piece frailties our downfall, admits Dean

ATHLETIC'S caretaker manager Dean Holden admitted his side paid a heavy price for poor defending at key times against Barnsley.

Though Athletic were arguably the superior team in overall play, Lee Johnson took away three points on his first return to Oldham since leaving for Barnsley.

"It's a bad result considering the way the game went,” Holden said. "We were in it for half an hour and there was nothing between the teams, but it was again a poor opening goal and it gave them a lift.

“We had the best chances and Jake Kean has not made a save in the game, but we conceded three goals from three set pieces.

"We work on them extensively. It becomes a one-v-one battle on a set piece. The lads have given everything. There is no question at all about commitment and playing for each other, but goals change games. We just need to get that first goal and give ourselves a lift. When you are conceding goals like we are, it is tough to win games.”

Adam Lockwood will be back in the technical area for tomorrow's home game with MK Dons as a result of a one-match ban picked up for his two yellow cards.

Holden praised the impact home fans had amid a charged-up atmosphere: "They were fantastic," he said. “Our fans outsang Barnsley's all afternoon, which was great to see. Adversity brings out the best in everyone.”