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Photo: PICTURES by ALAN HOWARTH

PUT IT THERE . . . Athletic boss Paul Dickov (left) and goal scorer Jean-Yves Mvoto show their delight after the win at Hartlepool.

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Latics boss hails players after vital away victory
PAUL Dickov saluted the graft his players put in to a Hartlepool win - a significant help in easing fears of a dogfight at the foot of npower League One.

Despite having nine first-team players out through injury and suspension, Athletic’s rookies put on a show of steel.

The man who epitomised their spirit, Jean-Yves Mvoto, deservedly grabbed the game-defining goal

“It wasn’t pretty at times and we knew coming up here it wouldn’t be,” said Dickov.

“But the lads were magnificent. We have got a lot of injuries now and getting off the coach for this game, it was like a crèche, seeing all the kids. But every one of them was great with their determination.”

Bournemouth are next up, and Dickov is determined to put on a show on Saturday at Boundary Park.

None of the injured players is expected to make the game, but James Tarkowski will be in contention after serving a one-match suspension.



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