Hot-shot Wes to the rescue

Photo: Pictures by ALAN HOWARTH

WHAT A STRIKE . . . James Wesolowski fires home his third goal in two games to make it 3-3 at Deepdale.

But we could have won it, insists Dickov
PAUL Dickov was full of praise for his players after watching them twice come from behind to earn a battling 3-3 draw against Preston.

But the Scot feels Athletic could have been celebrating with three points in the bag after an eventful night at Deepdale had it not been for the hosts' controversial third goal.

Goalkeeper Alex Cisak was arguably impeded by striker Jamie Proctor when trying to claim Daniel Devine's free-kick, but referee Scott Mathieson allowed the effort to stand.

Dickov said: "I am slightly disappointed we did not win the game because we have come away to a side who are going to be up there at the end of the season, scored three goals, and only claimed a point.

"There was a mad five minutes in which we switched off and conceded from two crosses which is disappointing, but even then I felt we would score and as it happens we got two before the break.

"But then Preston scored a ridiculous goal. Alex tried to catch the ball and their player ran into him. It is that simple.

"However, I am delighted the lads showed the character and determination to come back again and get the draw. Three goals in two games from James Wesolowski is a big statement.

"It is strange because of our three central midfielders (Dean Furman, Tom Adeymi and Wesolowski), I thought he would be the one to just sit in there and break up Preston's attacks, and that Tom would be the one bursting forwards.

"But I am delighted he got the goals – he has been brilliant since joining me here."

Dickov hopes his charges take the confidence gained from their late comeback into Saturday's trip to Carlisle.

He added: "Too many times this season we have built a platform for ourselves only to let it slip.

"The key is to take this momentum into the match at Carlisle.

"I told the players that they have to realise they are not a bad side. If it wasn't for five minutes of madness in the first half and the circumstances around Preston's third goal, we would have beaten them."