Penney: We’ve only got ourselves to blame

DAVE PENNEY was left bemoaning the circumstances surrounding the set-piece goal that did for Athletic in a tight cross-Pennine derby at Boundary Park.

Robbie Williams’ terrific shot direct from a free-kick beat goalkeeper Dean Brill at his near post for the only goal of a game spoiled by awful weather conditions — but the Athletic boss felt his side were the architects of their own downfall.

“It was a free-kick to us two or three yards inside our half and we tried to play a little quick one when it wasn’t on,” said boss Penney, describing the build-up to a match-winner that arrived shortly before the hour mark.

“Then we got broken on, conceded a free-kick and took a yellow card (for Reuben Hazell) as well.

“Something wasn’t right. Whether it was the wall, or the ‘keeper, and we conceded again from a free-kick.

“It was disappointing to lose in that way and I don’t think there was anything in the game, to be fair.”

Depleted Athletic were without a number of key performers due to injuries.

Kelvin Lomax, Alex Marrow and Chris Taylor all missed out, but Deane Smalley and Andy Holdsworth were restored to the starting line-up.

Penney felt that a battling effort deserved more than a third home defeat of the Coca-Cola League One season.

“If we hadn’t made the mistake it was a 0-0,” he added.

“Pav (Abbott) had a good chance late on to get a goal too and early doors we caused them problems getting in behind them with the pace of Keigan (Parker) and with a little bit better selection we would have got an effort on goal.

“We were frustrated by the weather conditions as nobody could really get it down and pass it.

“I am disappointed that we didn’t get anything out of the game and also the manner of the goal.

“Andy Holdsworth came back but at the same time, we have lost other players.

“We can’t quite get a full squad at the moment. There are always going to be one or two, but we are losing people every week.

“It is important we get them back as quickly as we can really.”