Dickov savouring Saints away test

ATHLETIC manager Paul Dickov is relishing the long trip to Southampton.

On the back of four points gained in the last two games and a four-match unbeaten mini-streak, Dickov has no fears over the game at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday — the scene of a creditable backs-to-the-wall 0-0 draw last season.

“It is a tough trip, but a great trip for us,” said Dickov after the goalless stalemate against Colchester.

“They are a team that have a lot of good players, a good manager and a good stadium.

“There will be a good crowd there, so bring it on.”

Southampton’s own five-game unbeaten run came to a shuddering halt at the weekend as Nigel Adkins’ men were beaten 2-0 at Huddersfield Town.

It leaves the pre-season promotion favourites 15th in the npower League One table, three points and seven places behind Athletic.



BURY stand between Athletic’s youth team and a place in the second round of the FA Youth Cup tonight.


The match is being played at Gigg Lane (7pm kick-off) and it promises to be a difficult test for Tony Philliskirk’s side, who have started the season in good form, but lost 3-2 at home when the sides met at Chapel Road in early September.