Taylor’s spot of superstition

CHRIS Taylor has revealed that he didn't want to take Athletic's crucial penalty at the weekend . . . because he had won it himself.

Manager Paul Dickov said after the 2-0 win at Notts County that only Ritchie Jones and Jason Lowe — the eventual scorer — wanted the responsibility and pressure of the spot-kick, which came three minutes from the end of normal time at Meadow Lane.

"If I win the penalty, I don't like taking them," said Taylor, who has eight goals to his name so far this season.

"Jason is a cool character and he slotted it away nicely. It doesn't really matter who takes it, as long as it goes in."

Taylor also revealed that it was a last-minute decision to step around Mike Edwards in the penalty area, with fleet footwork not only leading to a penalty but also a red card for the County captain.

The Athletic star added: "I went to play Oumare (Tounkara) through, the ball ricocheted, I gambled and it broke to me.

"I thought I was clean through, but I saw their guy come across at the last minute.

"I took a touch around him, he made some contact and it is a penalty.

"Overall, we didn't dominate the game, but we just edged it."


PROVISIONAL dates have been set for the npower League One play-offs.
The first legs will take place on Saturday, May 14 and Sunday, May 15, with return matches played on Wednesday, May 18 and Thursday, May 19.

This year's League One final, along with those in the Championship and League Two, will be held at Old Trafford. It takes place on Sunday, May 29.