System works for Latics

Andy Holdsworth goes down to win Athletic’s penalty

Orient 1, Athletic 2

A CHANGE of tactics brought a change of fortune for Athletic who recorded their first win of the campaign in Coca-Cola League One at Leyton Orient.

Manager Dave Penney was vindicated in his decision to play a third man in the centre of midfield, and Athletic’s new look could prove the perfect strategy for away matches.

It was an effective and fluid system. Athletic operated with a five-man midfield when defending but then switched to 4-3-3 when going forward, with Keigan Parker and Chris Taylor lending support to Pawel Abbott.

Athletic, who used Alex Marrow as the extra man in midfield in the opening half and Andy Holdsworth in the second period, dented the Os impressive start to the season with a workmanlike display.

After failing to find the net in their opening two competitive matches, striker Abbott broke Athletic’s duck before going on to score again as they recorded their first victory at Brisbane Road or the Matchroom Stadium, as it is now known, since 1982.

If the opening week is anything to go by, Athletic fans could be in for a roller-coaster campaign.

Despite suffering an early exit from the Carling Cup, they have picked up four points from their first two games — a satisfactory return.

Athletic would have expected to have beaten crisis-club Stockport County — they had plenty of chances to win the game — but the win at the Os was definitely a bonus.

Penney recalled Abbott, Parker and Marrow from midweek defeat at Carlisle.

The the selection of Marrow in midfield — the loanee played at right-back against Stockport — was a surprise, while Andy Holdsworth kicked off in the back line, with Parker switching from an out-and-out striker to a role wide on the right.

Athletic made a 12th minute breakthrough after Os centre-back Tamika Mkandawire was dispossessed after charging into opposition territory. Dean Furman launched the breakaway, before Abbott was rewarded for his perseverance.

Abbott’s initial shot with his right foot was blocked, but the rebound fell invitingly into his path and he cut back on to his left before firing a shot which ’keeper Jamie Jones got a hand to but couldn’t prevent crossing the line.

Athletic’s defence was hardly troubled until the Os equalised just after the half-hour mark thanks to a piece of charitable defending.

Sean Gregan and ’keeper Dean Brill had a mix up in communications attempting to deal with JJ Melligan’s low cross, which enabled Ryan Jarvis to dart in to score at the near post.

protect

Penney switched Marrow to right back and Holdsworth into the centre of midfield at the start of the second half.

The move was done to protect Holdsworth, who was booked in the first period and and was given a tough time by Os wide man Ben Chorley.

Abbott came close to restoring Athletic’s lead when he nipped in after a defensive lapse, but he pushed the ball too hard past ’keeper Jones and the ball went out of play.

Athletic’s winner came courtesy of a rampaging run from Holdsworth from his new advanced position.

The former Huddersfield Town man burst into the box only to be tripped by Sean Thornton. The referee pointed to the penalty spot and Abbott stepped forward to almost nonchalantly score from 12 yards.

Athletic survived the final half hour with ease as the Os rarely threatened, even though they brought on strikers James Scowcroft and Adrian Patulea.

They had a couple of sniffs at goal, but Athletic could have built on their advantage. Parker’s free-kick narrowly cleared the crossbar and Abbott had a shot blocked for a corner.

A third goal for Abbott would have completed a perfect day for the frontman.

But the miss did not matter as Penney won the bragging rights against his former Derby County team-mate and Os manager Geraint Williams.