Taylor in race against time

ATHLETIC winger Chris Taylor missed Saturday’s defeat by Colchester United after sustaining a calf strain in the 3-2 win over Millwall.

ATHLETIC are confident Chris Taylor will be fit for Saturday’s important Coca-Cola League One promotion battle at Milton Keynes Dons.

Taylor was a surprise absentee from Saturday’s home league defeat by Colchester United.

Athletic had kept the winger’s calf strain a closely-guarded secret, with manager John Sheridan later revealing he had sustained the injury during the previous weekend’s win at Millwall.

Taylor, who scored the winner at the New Den, played little over 48 hours later against Leeds United when he was carrying the injury.

He received intensive treatment in the build up to Saturday’s fixture, but was forced to concede defeat.

Sheridan has high hopes Taylor will recover in time for Saturday’s game against one of their promotion rivals.

Athletic will have one enforced change this weekend as central defender Reuben Hazell starts a two-match ban after collecting 10 yellow cards for the season.

Hazell is likely to be replaced by Dutchman Stefan Stam, who played for the reserves last midweek, or on-loan player Seb Hines, from Middlesbrough.

Athletic’s management were today understood to be holding an inquest into Saturday’s third home league defeat of the season.

Close rivals Scunthorpe and Leeds both play tomorrow night, and Athletic could end up outside of the top six in just over 24 hours’ time.

Sheridan reckons his side will need another 17 points from their remaining 10 games to be assured of a place in the play-offs.

That is a tall order when you consider they have only taken four points from their last four games.


Money pours in for pink shirts

ATHLETIC have received bids totalling more than £5,500 for the pink shirts worn in the home game against Leeds United .

The money raised will be donated to the ‘Link4Pink Appeal,’ a breast cancer charity at the Royal Oldham Hospital.

Lee Hughes remains the most popular player, with his shirt attracting a bid of £700. Next is Chris Taylor at £550.

The deadline for bids is Wednesday and they can be done by visiting www.oldhamathletic.co.uk