Dickov’s simple strategy

THE equation, as far as Paul Dickov is concerned, is a straightforward one.

Stay solid defensively and maintain a focus on attacking with the same purpose as in previous meetings.

Athletic’s manager believes that if his side take those instructions on board, they are talented enough to see off Chesterfield by two clear goals — a result which would ensure a first Wembley final for the club since Joe Royle famously led his class of 1990 to a Littlewoods Cup final.

“I said straight after the game that we know what we have got to do,” said Dickov, referring back to the disappointing 2-1 defeat at the B2net Stadium last week in the first leg of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, Northern final.

“When Chesterfield come here, do they protect the lead or do they look to score?

“We had a total of 22 shots at goal over there (in the first leg), with 12 on target.

“That tells me two things: one, their goalkeeper (Tommy Lee) has had a really good game; and two, our finishing has to be a bit better.

“If we create the number of chances we have had against Chesterfield in the three games so far, there will be goals.

“It may be boring, but we also have to make sure we don’t concede. With the players we have got going forward, I know the goals have dried up a little bit recently, but we have goals in the team and will always create chances.”

Dickov said that Athletic’s players will practise penalties in case of a shoot-out, which would occur if Athletic hold a one-goal advantage on the night after 90 minutes.

“The boys like to practise taking them by having little competitions between themselves anyway,” added Dickov.

“It is one thing to do it on the training ground and another to be big enough take one in a match.”