Our most satisfying win, says manager

WHAT A FEELING... Paul Dickov shows his delight at the 1-0 win.

SATISFACTION was the overriding emotion for Paul Dickov following Athletic’s third successive npower League One victory.

Aidan White’s debut goal was enough to send the team back up the M1 with all three points.

It was a very different type of performance to that put in the previous week against Huddersfield and it had to be, with the home team’s direct approach dictating that the visitors to Victoria Road had to deal with an aerial bombardment.

And Dickov was delighted with the way his young side – featuring three teenagers in White, Cedric Evina and Carl Winchester – stood up to the physical challenge.

“From Oumare (Tounkara) and Chris (Taylor) up front back to Dean Brill, everyone stood up to be counted,” said Dickov, whose side are now in seventh place and with a game in hand on all the sides higher up the table.

“They showed the desire they have to play for this football club, which was pleasing.

“We knew it was going to be a difficult game and I am delighted with the result, the clean sheet and the performance.

“As good as we were last week, that is probably the most satisfying win of the season.

“The lads really had to dig deep and we were put under a lot of pressure.

“We worked ever so hard and we believe if we do that, it gives us the chance to play football.

“The pitch wasn’t great but we tried to pass it when we could and I thought we looked a real threat on the break.

“We have pace which will always cause teams problems. When teams are coming on to us we believe that, if we move the ball quickly enough, it won’t be too long before we are in the opposition’s box.

“Their goalkeeper pulled off a great save from Chris Taylor, who worked his socks off again.”

One player who stood out for Athletic was Tounkara.

The big French striker’s driving run helped set up White’s goal and Dickov feels the on-loan Sunderland player is improving as the season goes on.

“Oumare was fantastic,” Dickov said. “In the last couple of weeks he has really stepped up to the plate.

“He is getting better and better all the time and when he plays like he did here, he is unplayable.

“He is a big old unit, Oumare, and he uses his body strength well. He has a good touch, is quick and will get better for us, so I am delighted with him.

Dickov made three changes to the team which beat Huddersfield, with Ritchie Jones, White and Winchester replacing suspended duo Dean Furman and Filipe Morais plus injured Kieran Lee, who is now a doubt for tomorrow’s game against Exeter City at Boundary Park.

“Kieran has picked up a strain,” added Dickov. “We don’t know how serious it is yet. He was struggling on Friday after he did it on Thursday.

“He didn’t train (on Friday) and he will be a doubt for Tuesday.

“Carl Winchester is only 17 years old yet he looks like he has played there all his life.”