Diallo stakes claim
Reporter: MATTHEW CHAMBERS
Date published: 28 September 2011
Photo: PICTURE by DARREN ROBINSON
BradLey Diallo: the defender impressed for the reserves against Burnley.
BRADLEY Diallo could be in line for a return to the starting line-up at Exeter.
The Athletic left-back, who recently served a three-match ban, was an impressive performer in the reserves’ 3-3 draw against Burnley at Chapel Road.
He defended well and bombed down the left wing to join in with the attack as first-team manager Paul Dickov looked on.
Former Marseille man Diallo’s return at St James Park would potentially allow Kieran Lee to revert to his more usual right-back role.
But as Athletic seek a third straight away win, it would also have the knock-on effect of forcing Dickov to select only two of his three first-choice centre-backs Zander Diamond, Nathan Clarke and Jean-Yves Mvoto.
Also catching the eye in a strong line-up was striker Matt Smith, who netted early on and linked play effectively throughout in the Central League West Division clash.
The 22-year-old intercepted a poor back-pass to walk home Athletic’s first goal, which was soon followed by a good run and calm finish from right-back Carl Winchester.
A third goal from Filipe Morais — operating up front with Smith — was a well-struck volley from a Winchester cross after only 17 minutes, but after that Burnley were the better side and could even have won.
“We were excellent in the first half, but I always knew it would be difficult for us after that because they were going to get a half-time rollicking,” said reserves boss Lee Duxbury.
“Their central midfield and forward partnerships got the better of us.
“We did some silly things. At times we held on to the ball for too long and we should have played to the whistle for their equaliser.
“In the end, Dale (Connor) made a great save to hold on to a draw for us.
“As we tell the first team, it is about doing the basics right, but I can’t fault the players’ effort.”
Duxbury picked out Smith, Kirk Millar and Connor Hughes as the main highlights in terms of putting in the hard work for his side.
