Firing blanks

Dale Stephens: Returned for the reserves last night.

No clues for penney in reserves

ATHLETIC’S striking hopefuls drew a blank again last night, failing to provide manager Dave Penney with a watertight case for inclusion come this weekend.

Keigan Parker partnered Ryan Brooke up front as the reserves took on Manchester City at the Regional Athletics Arena, a game which finished goalless. City, who started with Michael Johnson in their midfield, won the Manchester Senior Cup clash 4-2 on penalties.

Tom Eaves came on for the last 20 minutes, but was unable to register on the scoresheet in a game dominated by midfield.

Also in reserves boss Lee Duxbury’s side last night was Dale Stephens, who returned from a loan spell at Rochdale at the beginning of the week.

Colchester United visit Boundary Park on Saturday, with Athletic attempting to improve a home record that has produced only two wins in Coca-Cola league One this season.

There is no news yet on the condition of Pawel Abbott following his return from hernia surgery in Germany, while Chris Taylor — who came off late in the away defeat to Gillingham at the weekend as a precautionary measure after picking up a slight knock early in the game — is said to be fine.



HUNGARIAN trio Patrik Tischler (ankle), David Kalnoki-Kis (groin) and Norbert Csiki (hamstring) have returned home for treatment on their respective injuries, which are expected to keep them out of action until the New Year.


ATHLETIC have extended young defender Liam Dawson’s loan spell at UniBond League premier division club Nantwich Town to a second month.


CHARLTON manager Phil Parkinson has escaped a touchline ban from the Football Association after his sending–off during the recent defeat at Carlisle.