Shooting for success

LETTING FLY: Filipe Morais has an effort at goal during Athletic’s 2-0 defeat at Exeter.

SHARPNESS is the key word for Filipe Morais.

In the winger's ongoing quest for peak fitness, playing out the entirety of the Tranmere defeat should show its benefits in a busy period to come for Athletic.

The 25-year-old expressed personal dismay that he couldn't manage to unlock the Rovers defence, either through a goal-defining pass or by having a shot on target himself. A scorer on three occasions for Athletic last season, the former Millwall and Hibs man has yet to find the target in a campaign so far hampered by suspension and then injury.

Morais is keen to finally find hit back of the net tomorrow. And he knows that in order to see off a Wycombe side no doubt riding the crest of a wave after last week's win, the team as a whole will need to be a lot more switched-on than was the case at Prenton Park.

"Everyone was disappointed last week," said Morais, who was at least pleased with the way he linked up with ever-eager overlapping full-back Kieran Lee.

"It was a stuffy game and they were quite hard to break down.

"Our start wasn't good and 20 minutes in, we were chasing the game. Those at the game could see we were the better team — all we did was attack, but without have that edge at the end.

"We didn't force their goalkeeper into making any saves and it was very frustrating. We want to put it right.

"I got 90 minutes against Tranmere and would have liked to do a bit better, to be honest, in terms of getting shots off and making the goalkeeper work.

“Wycombe will be tough game. They had a great result at Hartlepool, winning 3-1, and it won't be easy.

"But we are at home and we need to have the confidence to produce."

In seeking to at least partially erase bad memories of the Tranmere defeat, Athletic are also attempting to build on a rare and particularly vibrant Boundary Park triumph over MK Dons on the previous outing.

One facet present in that clash but missing for far too much of the game at Tranmere was quick passing, pressing the opposition before pulling them out of position by keeping possession smartly.

With that in mind, it may be that manager Paul Dickov chooses to recall captain Dean Furman — the most natural passer of the ball in the squad — into the heart of his midfield.

"There is competition for places and everybody needs it," said Morais. “Dean is buzzing at the moment. We are glad he is back and he will make a difference when he comes in, as well.

"The gaffer may choose to keep all his central midfielders and go with a three in there — he has lots of options. Everyone wants to play, so there are bound to be some players disappointed."




Athletic hosts a family day out tomorrow. In the main car park, from 1pm, a tent will feature a variety of stands including Chaddy's Gang, the Boundary Blues and a tuck shop, Trust Oldham, the Community Trust and merchandise.
Face painting, a bouncy castle, clowns and a rock wall will all be present outside, while a carnival band performs at 2.15pm outside the ground. Activities will continue pitch-side from 2.30pm and at half-time, a Zorb ball race will take place on the pitch.