Penney to step up loan search

Lewis Alessandra: Poised for a return to action.

ATHLETIC boss Dave Penney was left a disappointed man after Swindon hit his side for four at the County Ground.

A crazy three-goal spell either side of half-time did for the visitors’ chances and with results of rivals elsewhere going against Athletic – Tranmere won 1-0 at Gillingham and Brighton claimed a point in a goalless draw at home to Huddersfield – the home game against Walsall this weekend assumes huge importance for Athletic.

Despite being the better side for most of the first half Athletic, now only outside the Coca-Cola League One drop zone on goal difference, couldn’t convert the chances that came their way and fell to a crushing 4-2 defeat.

“We had a mad couple of minutes before half-time and another mad couple of minutes afterwards,” Penney said.

“For the first 44 minutes we were the better side and created a lot of chances.

“We didn’t hit the target and sometimes we have got to be a little less selfish and play somebody else in when they are in a better position.

“It could have been different going in as we had played quite well and frustrated them first-half. But you can’t give goals away like we did and expect to get points.

“After the first goal we should settle down, regain our composure and make sure we don’t concede again so quickly.

“Second half, we wanted to get back into the game and started quite well again. We reckon the third goal was offside and even their lads were saying it. But you have to go on what the linesman gives.”

Penney hinted he may try again in the loan market to bring another striker in after target Paul Heffernan joined Bristol Rovers, but another priority ahead of the Walsall test at Boundary Park is to tighten the side up defensively on the training ground.

“We felt we were on the right track,” added Penney. “We had kept three clean sheets in our previous three games, other than the stupid penalty that was given against us (at home to Millwall).

“Then we concede four. It isn’t like us and we have to get back to being tight and resolute.

“I’m not happy with the result and am disappointed with certain aspects of the game. But we will put it right.”




ATHLETIC’S reserves travel to take on Bury today in the Manchester Senior Cup (2pm) at Radcliffe Borough, a game striker Lewis Alessandra is expected to play some part in as he returns from a long-term ankle injury.