Latics eyes on County clash

PAUL DICKOV

ATHLETIC will set keen eyes on Notts County’s clash with Shrewsbury tomorrow, as manager Paul Dickov starts to draw up plans for the next home game against the Magpies.

Keith Curle’s side have the advantage of playing at Meadow Lane as they look to move into the top two of npower League One. County are third, behind surprise early front-runners Tranmere and Yeovil.

Standing firm for the Shrews, three places above Athletic in 13th, is former Boundary Park captain Reuben Hazell.

The centre-back made his first appearance of the season in last week’s 1-1 draw at Stevenage, in a line-up also featuring Rob Purdie. Hazell might find himself rubbing up against Lee Hughes. The veteran striker scored on his last league outing in a 2-0 win at Bury.

As for Athletic’s chances against Notts County at Boundary Park, Dickov knows his team will need to be more subtle than in the disappointing Johnstone’s Paint Trophy exit on Tuesday.

“The tendency is when we have the big man (Matt Smith) up there causing problems that we go back-to-front too early,” said Dickov. “We did that throughout the game.

“After Carl (Winchester) had made a mistake, we sat back and played too much hoof-ball up to Matty. After they got their first goal, it got their tails up.”




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