Latics forward eyes net gain

ROBBIE Simpson is not expecting anything to come easy for Athletic tonight.

Back in the team after sitting out the Huddersfield loss — technically, he remains an employee of the West Yorkshire side — the striker bids at the B2net Stadium to add to his tally of three goals already plundered against Chesterfield this term.

A handsome win, of the ilk of the 5-2 scoreline at Boundary Park in which Simpson registered a hat-trick — he is pictured below clutching the matchball — would do wonders for Athletic’s chances of reaching Wembley in this two-legged Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Northern Area final affair.

As was shown only three weeks ago, though, even with Chesterfield bottom of npower League One they have within their armoury sufficient firepower to trouble defences at this level.

Jordan Bowery showed in scoring a neat goal that he can be a real threat and the Spireites carved out a host of other chances in the 1-1 draw on Monday, January 2.

Athletic, Simpson warns, will have to work hard to take home the right result tonight.

“It maybe makes for a tighter game, as they know our strengths and weaknesses and we know theirs,” said Simpson when asked what impact on the game the respective sides’ familiarity may have, with this being the second of three meetings in league and cup inside January.

“With it being the first leg of a cup game as well, it will be a tight encounter. We thought at their place that the loss of Leon Clarke might be a bonus for us.

“But Jordan Bowery played for them and had the best game I have ever seen him play. With Craig Westcarr as well, they have plenty up front. We have got to make sure we stay in the game in this leg.

“We are definitely confident that if we bring them back to Boundary Park with any sort of positive result from the B2net then we have a great chance of getting to Wembley.”

Simpson has extra motivation to put Athletic through to the JPT final on Sunday, March 25, having missed out last year when on loan with Brentford due to an ankle injury.

“I booked a box for my family months in advance, so to get the injury so close to the game was devastating,” said the former Coventry City man.

“They still had a good day out and this time I plan to give them another one but with me actually playing on the pitch this time.”

Currently on loan until the end of the season, Simpson hopes to finally convert his agreement to a permanent transfer to the summer soon.

“Huddersfield have offered terms to terminate my contract,” he said. “I have made a couple of minor adjustments to that, given it back to Huddersfield and am waiting to hear back from them now.”