Furman: We wanted to put things right

ATHLETIC midfielder Dean Furman said it was mission accomplished after the 4-0 win over Hartlepool United eased the pain of two dropped points at Carlisle.

An injury-time penalty thwarted Paul Dickov’s men at Brunton Park as they threw away a two-goal lead, but there was never any danger of Athletic hitting the self-destruct button at Boundary Park last night.

Furman revealed the players were desperate for a return to winning ways in the run-up to the game.

“We are all delighted to have won and played so well, especially after the previous match, where we dropped two points,” he said.

“There was a determination within the group to put things right against Hartlepool and it was a good team effort.

“We know we can score goals, but it was just as important to have a solid base, and keep a clean sheet.

“Hartlepool are a decent side with good players, but we dealt with everything they threw at us.”

While Athletic attacked at their free-flowing best in the second half, Furman reserved special praise for the two centre-backs.

He added: “I thought Reuben Hazell and Neil Trotman were tremendous.

“They seemed to get their heads on the end of every cross and cut out every pass.

“Both lads led by example and set the tone for the rest of us to dig in and defend well.”