Dickov’s upbeat message to fans

PAUL DICKOV: “Very encouraging. We were the better team for long periods.”

Latics boss happy with latest friendly display

ATHLETIC battled hard before coming unstuck through a late goal in their behind-closed-doors friendly at Hull City.

Paul Dickov's men went down 1-0 to a goal from former Rangers forward Sone Aluko, who fired in a long-range strike in the 89th minute.

Up against a strong Tigers outfit, Athletic came through the three 30-minute periods at Hull's training ground in Cottingham without any new injury worries.

"It was very encouraging and for long periods we were the better team," said Dickov, who now switches his attentions to the game at Fleetwood Town on Friday night. This fixture kicks off at 7.30pm and not 7.45pm as previously stated.



Nigel de Jong is the latest name in the frame for Athletic's prestigious home friendly with Manchester City on Tuesday (7.45pm kick-off).

The friendly is seen by City officials as a good way of helping the Euro 2012 contingent back to fitness ahead of the new season.

Tickets are available for the game from Boundary Park, priced at £15 adults and £5 for under-16s and over-65s.



TICKETS are now on sale for Athletic's opening game of the npower League One season at MK Dons on Saturday, August 18.






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