Wide boys earn praise

WIDE BOY: Chris Taylor

ATHLETIC manager Paul Dickov has described how his wide players helped the team’s cause at Leyton Orient.

A set-up featuring Chris Taylor on one wing and an attacking option on the other — in this case at Brisbane Road, Robbie Simpson — has not always worked away from home in 2011-12.

Against Yeovil and Colchester, for example, Athletic were unable to get a grip on proceedings in the midfield and suffered heavy defeats.

At Orient, though, the smart movement of the duo in attack and their eagerness to help out defensively aided the team’s cause.

“I said to Chris beforehand that if he is not getting the joy in using the quality we all know he has on the ball, then he has to do his job for the team,” said Dickov, following the fourth win of the npower League One season. “He did just that.

“The work-rate of Robbie Simpson as well was great and he showed touches of class.

“Both Robbie and Chris are difficult to pick up, as full-backs don’t know whether they are going to come in off the line or stay out wide.

“Because Orient are such a good footballing team, we worked in the week on how important our wide players are for us.

“The work the two of them put in was fantastic.”

Filipe Morais’ return to action from the bench increases Dickov’s options in wide positions and the

manager’s hand will be further strengthened when speedy Josh Parker has recovered from the severe bruising around his knee.