Smith learning a lot as he looks to make Latics impact

MATT SMITH scores for Athletic in the 1-1 draw at Chesterfield last season.

ONE start, one goal. Discounting those many appearances when thrust on as a late impact substitute, Matt Smith’s record for Athletic over the past calendar year can’t be faulted.

But despite crashing home a header on the club’s last league visit to Chesterfield in a 1-1 draw on January 2, Smith hasn’t seen his name on the team sheet since.

Last season that was largely down to top scorer Shefki Kuqi’s status. This time the front line makeup has changed enough already to suggest Smith start to get games.

Smith is a likely starter tonight at the renamed Proact Stadium in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy (7pm kick-off).

This is something of a revenge mission for Athletic after their fall to the Spireites at the last hurdle in the same competition with Wembley beckoning.

“When I first came to Oldham last season I was thrown in at the deep end. I loved that.

“There was no bedding in period — I was right in the starting line-up from the get-go.

“Then when Shefki Kuqi arrived, I had to settle for a place on the bench for the rest of the season.

“It has been a massive learning curve and as the months go by I am getting stronger, fitter and getting more clued in as to what is expected of me.”