Fingers crossed for Wes

James Wesolowski

ATHLETIC are anxiously awaiting the results of a scan on James Wesolowski’s knee injury.

The combative midfielder, who limped off just after the restart at Carlisle United on Saturday, left Brunton Park with heavy strapping on his right knee.

His untimely exit from the field of play hindered Paul Dickov’s side. Leading 3-2 at the time, Athletic missed his defensive nous in the engine room and eventually had to settle for a draw.

The Australian went into that match on the back of three goals in two games.

Dickov will be hoping he recovers in time for Saturday’s npower League One clash with Bury at Boundary Park or Tuesday’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Northern area quarter-final against Crewe, also at home.

Wide man Filipe Morais stands by to take his place, which would likely see Athletic switch from 4-5-1 to a 4-4-2 formation.

Meanwhile, Athletic chief executive Alan Hardy confirmed Dickov’s side will host Burton Albion in the FA Cup first round on Saturday, November 12, unless the game is televised, in which case it will take place 24 hours later.

Athletic came from behind to beat neighbours Rochdale 3-2 at Spotland in last night’s FA Youth Cup first-round tie.

Sam Fitzgerald put the visitors in front after seven minutes, but Rochdale restored parity within 10 minutes through Godwin Akbadaki and Ola Rabiu handed the home outfit a 2-1 lead before the break.

However, Tony Philliskirk’s side hit back with a bang after the interval.

Just before the hour mark Kyle Riley picked the pocket of centre-half Jordan Fagbola and chipped the ball over goalkeeper Jordan Andrews.

And with 70 minutes on the clock Riley was on the mark again, this time drilling a low effort past Andrews.

Athletic host York City or Macclesfield Town in the second round.

Philliskirk said: “We asked the boys some questions at half-time about their character and it was a great achievement to go through.

“This is a young group who need to manage games better but they will learn. They showed their drive and it bodes well for the future.”