Dickov plots end to Carlisle revival

ATHLETIC know better than most how dangerous a one-goal lead can be.

On 10 occasions this season — most recently, at Walsall in midweek – Paul Dickov's side have let points slip despite forging a lead.

A two-goal advantage disappeared at a fired-up Peterborough, while from three down Exeter City imbibed some of Liverpool's famous essence of Istanbul to pluck a draw from the ether at Boundary Park in November.

Four goals, though . . . now that is some trick to pull off.

And even though tomorrow's away-day npower League One opponents Carlisle have only effectively reached half-time in their Johnstone's Paint Trophy northern final against Huddersfield, Dickov doesn't think the Cumbrians will be overly worried at the prospect of defending a commanding 4-0 advantage in the second leg away from home three days after Athletic visit Brunton Park tomorrow (3pm).

"They have a good cushion," Dickov said. "I know Greg (Abbott, Carlisle's manager) will be playing that down, but when you are 4-0 up going into a second leg game you have got to be quietly confident, you would think.”

Dickov sees similarities in the way Carlisle and Athletic go about their respective business in League One.

Three wins in a row have arrived as Carlisle apparently galvanised itself following the sale of star striker Gary Madine to Sheffield Wednesday.

Those victories have been down in no small part to the good form of the defence, in which one of Dickov's former team-mates Lubo Michalik is an imposing figure.

"I know Lubo from my time at Leeds," Dickov added. "He is a big old lump — but don't think he isn't a good player because of his size and build.

"People look at him and think he will just head and kick it, but he is a good footballer. He is not slow and once he gets his big legs going he covers the ground quickly.

"Carlisle are a young bunch, with three or four players in there with points to prove.

"They play with high energy so it should be a good game.”