We had a higher tempo— Dickov

PAUL Dickov was happy to see his Athletic side earn their first win of pre-season after a 1-0 triumph over Mossley at Seel Park.

The visitors played the role of party-poopers as they clinched victory on the day the Lilywhites celebrated 100 years at Seel Park.

One of seven trialists — the identities of whom are being kept under wraps by the club — netted the winner after 16 minutes, firing home from close range.

Paul Black and Filipe Morais got 25 minutes apiece under their belts as they continued their tentative return from injury, as Dickov again opted to use 22 players, just days after implementing the same system in the 2-0 loss at Barrow.

“I am more pleased with our performance than I was after the Barrow match,” said the Scot.

“We had a higher tempo and managed to keep the ball better this time, but we will not be getting carried away with the result because we are still capable of doing much better.

“The players were told after the first friendly that unless they can pass the ball and keep it, they won’t be playing here.

“If you think back to our really good spell last season and how we were performing, that is the level to which we have to get back.

“We were quick, dangerous and caused opponents all sorts of problems.”

Dickov was glad to see the travelling party gain crucial match time as they look to build their fitness levels in time for the npower League One curtain-raiser against Sheffield United at Boundary Park on August 6.

“This was also a fitness exercise and everyone got time on the pitch,” he added.

“They all got around 45 minutes of action except big Jean-Yves Mvoto, who stayed on for an hour, and that will do him good.”