We must build on this, says focused Dickov

PAUL Dickov was delighted to see his Athletic side cruise to a 2-0 victory over Wycombe Wanderers at Boundary Park – but said he would not ease up on his hit-and-miss squad.

Goals from James Wesolowski and captain Dean Furman handed the hosts a comfortable win.

The visitors did not manage a single shot on target as opposed to Dickov's men who, despite lacking a first-half spark, ended the game with 21 efforts to their name.

Dickov said: "I am delighted with the three points against a good side who won at Hartlepool recently, so the importance of this win cannot be underestimated.

"We were solid, we did the basic things right and it was chalk and cheese in comparison to our 1-0 defeat at Tranmere.

"When all is said and done, we had 21 shots so no one can argue with the outcome.

"Both of our goals were good, but my main criticism is that we did not score more goals.

"I am not getting carried away because we have been here too many times before and then been let down. I have told the players I am going to be on their backs around the clock to try to avoid the kind of disappointment we felt at Tranmere.

"I have still not moved past that result because it was sickening, so I am not leaving the boys alone until they achieve the level of consistency for which we are looking."

Dickov reserved special praise for captain Furman, who made his first start since returning from knee surgery.

The Scot added: "Dean has been training for a couple of weeks and it was the right time to hand him a start.

"We also wanted to give Tom Adeymi a rest because he is a young boy who has played a lot of games in a short space of time.

"The midfield had a lot of zip and Dean, more often than not, chooses the right option when in possession.

"He is enthusiastic and works hard for his team-mates so it is good to have him back in the side."

Dickov was also pleased with the performances of centre-halves Nathan Clarke and Jean Yves Mvoto, who deputised for the injured Zander Diamond.

He added: "They got their heads on the end of everything all afternoon. I have felt sorry for (goalkeeper) Alex Cisak of late because of the goals we have conceded this season – I don't think a single one was his fault. Nathan and Jean gave him good protection which is important.

"But to be fair to the boys it was a big team effort and hopefully something on which we can build."