Tactical switch so nearly paid off, says boss

DAVE PENNEY felt that a tactical switch before half-time could, on another day, have brought about a better result for Athletic.

The Athletic boss withdrew misfiring winger Joe Colbeck in the 37th minute, with Danny Whitaker introduced in order to stifle a Leeds midfield in which ex-Latics loan star Neil Kilkenny was pulling the strings.

While the switch improved matters, Penney wasn’t able to stave off an FA Cup first-round exit at Boundary Park.

Athletic failed to find the target once again, with Leeds striking through a first-half drive from Jonny Howson and an injury-time breakaway goal from Mike Grella.

“It was always going to be a tough task against Leeds,” said Penney.

“They are flying high, but they only had a couple of chances.

“The first goal was a deflection which looped past the goalkeeper and at the death when we were chasing a goal that would have given us a replay we got done on the break.

more chances

“In the first half we were never at the races. We had to change our shape to stop (Neil) Kilkenny playing and match them up. From there we started to get into the game in the second half.

“We created more chances in the second half once we got going. Their goalkeeper made a decent save off Chris Taylor and there were times when bits and bobs dropped down where we should do better and hit the target.

“It was a lot better in the second half.

“You also have to give Leeds some credit. They are resolute and tough to break down.”

Athletic’s best chance of the 90 minutes fell to Joe Colbeck. After wriggling past centre-back Patrick Kisnorbo, the winger had the chance to pull the trigger when bearing down on goal — but instead took a heavy extra touch and the ball rolled safely into goalkeeper Casper Ankergren’s arms.

“It is confidence,” Penney said. “People keep saying how important it is in football and it shows.

“Joe is down on it at the moment and if he is a player full of confidence he hits that first time to make the goalkeeper work.”

While it was again a performance characterised by endeavour without end product, Penney also said he wants to see more fight from his side.

“I would like us to be more committed,” he added. “There are more challenges we can put our foot in on and be a little bit tougher.

“As a club we need to get more professional and ruthless.”