Dickov wary of Saddlers’ skills

PAUL Dickov is not expecting anything to arrive easily for his side at Boundary Park tonight.

Athletic's manager is yet to experience defeat against Walsall.

Last season, there were two 1-1 draws and early this term, a goal from Chris Taylor provided his side with a victory by way of the game's only goal at the Bescot Stadium.

What all those contests have in common are the way that the Saddlers competed for everything.

As a club arguably very similar in stature to Athletic, though admittedly less secure in terms of points gained this season, Dickov is sure it will be a similarly-tight encounter.

"I have seen quite a bit of Walsall this year," said Dickov, whose side are six points and five places better off than the fourth-from-bottom Saddlers.

"People talk about fine lines in football and Walsall have drawn and lost by the odd goal a lot. In the games I have seen, they possibly could have won some of those.

"They are a good footballing team with good players, so it is going to be a tough game.

"All over the pitch, they are a solid team who work very hard. They will think their luck will change soon, just as we do.

"In the games we have had against Walsall since I have been here, they have been very close and I am sure this will be same."

Experienced forward Jon Macken is unlikely to feature tonight for out-of-form Walsall, whose manager Dean Smith is relying on young players to help dig the club out of danger.

Long-serving goalkeeper Jimmy Walker is also missing — both men have hamstring injuries — as the Saddlers, like Athletic, go on the hunt for a first win of 2012.

“I’m very encouraged by the way the younger members of the squad have improved and gelled with the more experienced players,” said Smith.

“It’s pleasing for the club and good for the future, but we have to concentrate on now and getting points on the board.”

Dickov is hoping that Athletic rediscover the goal touch that has deserted them lately, stressing the need for the team as a whole to take responsibility for finding the net.

"We need more goals right across the pitch," he said.

"Robbie Simpson (six goals) has chipped in with a few but after that, Reuben Reid is our next highest-scorer (on five) and he hasn't played in the first team for four months.

"It is a responsibility for everyone — defenders, central midfielders and wide men — to start chipping in. I have said it before, but we are creating chances. What we need is for one to go in off someone's shin or backside. And then once we have got one, I am sure we will go on to get two or three."