Smart Alex so important - Dickov

Photo: PICTURES: ALAN HOWARTH

GET STUCK IN: Tom Adeyemi displays his commitment to the Latics’ cause.

PAUL Dickov was in no doubt about what he was getting in signing goalkeeper Alex Cisak.

The Tasmanian stopper produced a man-of-the-match performance on a very blustery afternoon at Boundary Park, helping his side avoid the ignominy of losing to an Exeter side with only two away wins all season.

The clean sheet was another feather in the cap for the 22-year-old, whose understated but highly-effective displays since signing from Accrington have been a bright spot in the campaign.

“He is a good ’keeper and that is why I signed him,” said Dickov of a player he kept tabs on since Cisak was a trainee at Leicester. “He keeps us in a lot of games.”

There were plenty of chances at the other end on a frustrating, injury-packed day for Athletic.

Dickov was left pleased with the effort shown by the players still standing at the final whistle, by which time the home side had lost James Wesolowski to a dislocated shoulder and Robbie Simpson to a tightened hamstring.

Add in Dean Furman’s knee problem and Zander Diamond’s sore neck which stopped them taking to the field and it is clear to see just how stretched Athletic were without such key individuals.

“I felt we were unlucky not to win the game. Because results haven’t been going our way recently, there was a little bit of a lack of belief and we have to instill that back in them.

“As an effort, in terms of the application showed to try to win the game, they were first-class.

“The back four defended well, apart from a couple of chances that Alex saved.

“We need to keep the back door shut and the chances will come. All credit has to go to the boys. We are all frustrated not to win the game, but I don’t think anyone can question the attitude or desire.

“When you have players out missing, you want to see that.”

On the injuries, Wesolowski’s chances appear the slimmest with regard for the second leg of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in a week’s time.

“Unfortunately, Jimbo’s shoulder popped out again and he went to hospital to try to get that sorted,” Dickov said.

“Robbie’s hamstring tightened up a little bit and we won’t know the full extent until this week.

“The main thing with Robbie is, he hasn’t felt it ‘go’. So that puts him in with a chance for next week.

“We will have to wait and see. Obviously, Jimbo is a worry with it happening so soon after last time.

“They are two big players. When you add Dean (Furman) and Zander (Diamond) as well, the effort the boys put in without four of the main players was good.

“They had a right good go and if a ricochet had just gone for us, we would have won quite comfortably.”