Latics players hit by virus

ATHLETIC are keeping their fingers crossed that the virus that has swept through Boundary Park in the last week does not ravage the senior squad.

Midfield man Danny Whitaker missed last night’s Coca-Cola League One defeat at Millwall because he was unwell.

Whitaker had been named in Athletic’s 18-man squad but was unable to travel yesterday after being struck down by the bug.

Manager Dave Penney said: “The youth team has been badly affected. They had six players ill last week and a further three this week.

“The youth physio (Jon Guy) has been off as well and we are hoping it does not spread through our squad.”

Penney was philosophical about the 2-0 defeat at the New Den last night, saying there were still encouraging points to emerge from the match.

He said: “I didn’t think our performance was too bad. We made chances but you have to take them at places like this. I was disappointed that we were unable to convert one of them.”

Penney refused to blame Pawel Abbott for the penalty miss which, if converted, would have put Athletic back on level terms, saying that the striker will take the next spot-kick which is awarded.

The Athletic manager explained: “Their keeper (David Forde) made a great save and you have to give Pawel credit for standing up and wanting to take it because there was a lot of pressure on him.

“If we had scored the penalty it would have been different because, as the saying goes, goals change games. And we also had a couple of other good chances.”

Penney admits he is disappointed by Athletic’s haul of four points from their first three league matches, saying ideally he would have liked a couple more at this early stage.

Millwall manager Kenny Jackett admitted Athletic made his team fight hard for victory.

He said: “We needed a second goal early in the second half and, when it did not come, I wondered if we would rue the chances we missed.

“It was nice to get the second on the break at the end, though it would have been better for the nerves if it had been scored 15 or 20 minutes earlier.”