Big moments

Robbie Simpson shows his emotion after earning Athletic a point at Wycombe.

Tarky’s relief at last-gasp draw ROBBIE Simpson’s dramatic late penalty was only worth a draw for Athletic — but it effectively earned the equivalent of a victory, in what is now an all-but successful battle to avoid the drop to npower League Two.

Had Athletic lost, the gap keeping the club clear of Wycombe would have been cut to three points.

Instead, thanks to the 90th-minute spot-kick, it remains at six.

The 2-2 draw at Adams Park was a manic encounter.

And little wonder, with so much riding on it.

“It was a major moment in our season,” said Tarkowski, who again partnered Reece brown in the centre of defence in the absence of suspended Jean-Yves Mvoto and injured Zander Diamond.

“It was probably the biggest game I have played in. With the draw, hopefully we can kick on in the final three games, get some wins and push as high in the table as we can.”

Athletic manager Paul Dickov now has a week to prepare his men for this Saturday’s home test against Preston at Boundary Park.



Read the full version of this story in our print and eChron editions