Early lapse frustrates Dickov

ATHLETIC lacked the touch of finesse needed to seal three points in a difficult clash against Stevenage at Boundary Park.

Home manager Paul Dickov saw Shefki Kuqi register his second goal for the club to equalise Mark Roberts’ opener for the npower League One new boys, but despite taking control of the contest, that winning strike eluded Athletic.

“We knew they would come and make it difficult,” said Dickov, whose side stay 15th in the table with a game at Walsall tomorrow and then Leyton Orient on Saturday to come.

“We saw their game at MK Dons and their game at Bournemouth and also watched them against Rochdale last week.

“We spoke all week about starting the game well and picking up second balls from set pieces.

“And after four minutes we conceded from a second ball from a set-piece.

“I felt after half an hour there was only one team that was going to win it and that it was us.

“We defended well after conceding and after the corner they had just afterwards, which they were unlucky with.

“But we needed more quality going forward. We do have quality players, but it just wasn’t their day.”

To add to Dickov’s woes on a slightly disappointing afternoon, captain Zander Diamond came off at half-time with a knee problem.

The Scot’s name is now added to an injury list which also features winger Filipe Morais, also suffering with a knee injury.

“We don’t quite know,” said Dickov, referring to the severity of Morais' injury. Both he and Diamond were examined today.

“His knee has a bit of fluid on it and has swollen up again.

“So we will see how he settles down and go from there. It is another big player for us missing.”

Athletic’s best chance for a winner came and went when substitute Matt Smith – who was also apparently given a shove in the penalty area at one stage – headed onto the roof of the net with Kuqi better-placed behind him.

“If Matt knows Shefki is behind him, he has a free header at goal from two yards out,” Dickov added.

“Matt had his chance when he came on and I felt he should have had a penalty.

“The referee 20 seconds beforehand gave a foul for their centre-forward backing in which was no different.

“It was a frustrating day for everyone. I am sure the fans are frustrated, the players are frustrated and I definitely am frustrated.

“The only positive thing I will say is that it is a game we possibly would have lost last season.

“They are an awkward team to play against and you have to give them credit as well.

“We have a point and we are disappointed it is not three. We had the better chances in the game, but when you get chances like that you must take them, or you won’t win.”

Stevenage manager Graham Westley was left downhearted, claiming that Athletic were on the ropes in the first half.

“At 1-0 we made the mistake of not pushing hard enough for another goal,” he said.

"Oldham were shell-shocked and there for the taking. A second goal would have made a massive difference and we should have done more.

"Away games are difficult - you've got the travel, the home support and the influence on the referee's decisions - but we don't set out to draw.

"It's fine to have a decent unbeaten run, but you'd need to reach the next level.

“To me, if you draw too many games you are messing about.

“Wherever we are in the table isn't good enough.”