Defensive duo key to success

SHUT OUT: Nathan Clarke was part of a mean Athletic defensive unit at Scunthorpe on Tuesday

DEFENSIVE diligence is vital if Athletic are to fulfil their ambitions.

So says manager Paul Dickov, who is confident his side can come up with the goals needed to turn draws into wins — provided they maintain the other side of the bargain by keeping the opposition attack frustrated.

At the moment, centre-back duo Zander Diamond (26) and Nathan Clarke (27) can point to the Scunthorpe clean sheet on Tuesday as evidence they have what it takes to do just that.

With 585 senior appearances between them, few npower League One clubs can match such a level of weathered know-how.

It is a combination that even threatens to leave ankle injury victim Jean-Yves Mvoto — another central defender and Dickov's number one target in any position in the close-season — sidelined.

"As much as we want to play attacking football, a lot comes from our goalkeeper (Alex Cisak) and two centre-halves putting us on the front foot," said Dickov, who will spend his weekend preparing the troops to face MK Dons in the televised clash at Boundary Park on Monday (7.45pm kick-off).

"In the two games we have lost recently, it has been too easy for the opposition centre-forwards to come off and get the ball to give the other team a base to go and play.

"Whereas the other night, we were on the front foot and every time it went up to their forwards, it came straight back.

"Diamond and Clarke are two experienced players and two fantastic professionals as well.

"If the two of them can get a little run going, we will be a lot stronger for that.

"But don't forget big Jean. He has had an indifferent start to the season, but I do believe that when on top form he is the best centre-half in the division.

"It is great for me to have these options."

Athletic are hoping to find a level of performance that can lift the club out of the one-win-in-15 rut they are currently stuck in at Boundary Park.

A combination of the impressive second-half show at Exeter and the battling effort at Scunthorpe — games forming part of a sequence of three wins in the last four away from home — would serve Athletic well against a side riding high in second in League One.

"It will be a tough game for us, but a really good game," Dickov added.

"I know Karl (Robinson, MK Dons manager) very well and he has done an unbelievable job there, he really has.

"He has got his team playing the best football in the division. They play good, attacking football, and it will be a test for us.

"We have got to take the positives from the second half last Saturday and the 90 minutes on Tuesday.

"It will be a good game and one that both teams will want to win."