First leg put back 24 hours because of frozen pitch

HEADS UP: Matt Smith scores against Chesterfield in the clash earlier this month.

ATHLETIC’S trip to Chesterfield tonight has been postponed due to a frozen pitch — but they will try again tomorrow (7.45pm kick-off).

A pitch inspection this morning established it would not be possible for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Northern Area final first-leg to go ahead.

But all tickets for the supporters’ coach and the match itself are valid for tomorrow. Fans unable to attend will receive a full refund.

As Athletic aim to take a decisive step towards a Wembley appearance, manager Paul Dickov has promised his side will go for the jugular without being reckless.



The Boundary Park outfit stand 180 minutes away from a showpiece final and will be confident of seeing off a struggling Spireites team managed by former Athletic boss John Sheridan.

At the same time, Dickov will warn his men not to adopt the gung-ho attacking attitude which almost led to a late Spireites winner in the 1-1 draw at the B2net Stadium in an npower League One clash at the start of the month.

“We were probably a bit too open for my liking,” said Dickov, reflecting on a point gained thanks to a header from striker Matt Smith.

“So we will look for a similar defensive performance as we had at Huddersfield.

“We have got Robbie Simpson back as well, who is a big player for us.

“So if we get our attacking game back to where we know it can be, we can definitely go and win the game. But we know it is going to be tough.

“It won’t be won or lost (on the night). But the way we set up and the way we are, we want to go there and win the game.

“It is not in our nature to go there and settle for a draw.”

The 1-0 loss at Huddersfield Town did not contain too many pieces of attacking inspiration and Dickov hopes that the inclusion of Simpson and a calmer attitude while in possession can help to rectify that situation.

“We have to make sure the boys relax and play football,” Dickov added.

“I felt that on Saturday, we were a little bit uptight. We rushed things and were snatching. The most important thing is to be solid defensively, because we will score goals.”

With Simpson returning up front to partner Shefki Kuqi, Josh Parker’s place in the side looks most under threat with Luca Scapuzzi reverting to a wide position.

The second leg of the Northern final against Chesterfield takes place at Boundary Park on Monday, January 30 (7.45pm) and will be televised live by Sky Sports.

Athletic (probable, 4-4-2): Cisak; Adeyemi, Diamond, Mvoto, Lee; Taylor, Wesolowski, Furman, Scapuzzi; Simpson, Kuqi.

Follow the match on Twitter @matt_chambers_