No let-up from Latics

instant impact... James Tarkowski (left), who received rich praise from his captain Reuben Hazell, wins a header from Leyton Orient’s Jonathan Tehoue.

We’ll fight to the end, promises captain Hazell

REUBEN Hazell says there is “no way” he or anyone in a position of power will let Athletic coast between now and the end of the season.

A terrific late strike by Leyton Orient substitute Paul-Jose Mpoku secured a victory for the O’s by the only goal at Brisbane Road.

The result was slightly harsh on Athletic, who defended manfully while failing to create many clear-cut scoring chances against the in-form outfit in npower League One.

It leaves Paul Dickov’s side in 13th place, marooned from the play-off zone while still needing to pick up points to stave off fears of being dragged into the bottom-four.

For team captain Hazell, the players have enough

character to turn around a shocking run of form which has seen the team pick up one point from the last seven matches.

“We have too many winners in our dressing room for the season to just fizzle out,” said Hazell, who felt that Athletic’s penalty claim for a handball at Brisbane Road was no more than a “touch-and-go” shout.

“We want to win as many games as we can and if that means going on an unbeaten run this season and taking it into next season, that will help us.

“Winning games is a habit and you don’t want to become a loser.

“There are incentives out there for everyone. Whether you are in the team or not in the team, you always want to win football matches.

“It is a hard job for the coaching staff, manager and myself as captain to keep the boys going, but that is what we will strive to do.

“We have to keep working hard on the training pitch and keep defending like we did.

“This is one of those tough times you go through as a footballer. We stick together as a team and with the management and we take it from there.”

While understandably disappointed to lose against Orient to such a bolt from the blue, Hazell provided some kind words for his centre-back partner James Tarkowski, the New Moston 18-year-old who excelled in his first senior start.

“He cramped up towards the end, but I could see why, because he put in a big shift,” he added.

“James has a great future ahead of him if he just keeps his head. He has been great in training for the past two months and deserved his chance.

“He talked to everyone and was like a senior pro.

“It is one of the best debuts I have seen. I know how hard it is playing at the back as your concentration levels have to be right up there.

“He dragged me through it really and there aren’t enough words to compliment him on how well he did.”


ATHLETIC’S reserves are in action tomorrow night at Shrewsbury Town (7pm kick-off) in the totesport.com League.