Point proved

RETURNING Robbie Simpson believes Athletic proved their battling credentials despite a 1-0 defeat to Notts County.

The 27-year-old forward made his first start for the club in a month and was one of the better performers on an afternoon in which the visitors were unfortunate to be beaten at Meadow Lane.

Former Coventry City striker Simpson admitted he was “absolutely gutted” to have lost the game — one which was given extra spice for the visitors following criticisms made by chairman Simon Corney of the effort levels put in by the team during last week’s home loss to Leyton Orient.

“It is probably one of the worst feelings I have felt from losing all season, because the lads have obviously taken a bit of a battering since Tuesday — from within the club as well,” Simpson said.

“I thought we did respond to that criticism. Every single person out on that pitch gave everything they could and you can’t ask any more, really.”

The Meadow Lane defeat meant that Athletic ended the nine-game month of March with three wins and six defeats.

And Athletic have now suffered losses by a single-goal margin nine times in 19 games in 2012.

Centre-back Reece Brown’s month-long loan spell from Manchester United has now expired and the club are trying to extend it.

ATHLETIC’S youth team took on Preston North End in the semi-finals of the Lancashire Cup at Chapel Road this afternoon (2pm kick-off).

The full version of this story is in tonight’s Chronicle and in the eChron and iChron electronic editions.