Latics warm to the task

Photo: Alan Howarth

GET BACK . . . Athletic’s Lee Croft attempts to force his way down the by-line.

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Athletic 1, Scunthorpe 1
Dickov’s men denied last-gasp winner
FRUSTRATION and excitement again swirled around in a confusing cocktail as Athletic claimed a share of the points last night.

Make no mistake: for most of the first half this was awful play from Paul Dickov’s side. Arch-nemesis Leon Clarke wreaked mayhem every time he got near the ball, and netted a terrific opening goal after three minutes.

The Iron bashed nervy Athletic into fragments, with only the reactions of recalled goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis and good luck standing between the home team and a hammering.

It was one-way traffic — until Oldham pulled level. Matt Derbyshire’s equaliser was fortunate, but it came on the back of a rare quick-thinking move after 40 minutes.

Reece Wabara drove forward, Dean Furman turned neatly and spread a pass for Jonathan Grounds to fire across. Poacher Derbyshire gambled on the near post and squeezed in a low effort.

After that the home team came alive — and right at the death Jose Baxter and Robbie Simpson came close to giving Athletic three points.

Two minutes into extra time, Baxter’s swinging left-wing centre was met by Slocombe’s hands and he appeared to palm the ball against Simpson’s head. It ran towards goal and Derbyshire made sure.

But referee Geoff Eltringham was quick to signal a foul against Slocombe that might not have actually existed. Athletic were forced to settle for what was probably a fair point.

If they can pull together a full 90-minute performance this squad looks like being one to turn draws into victories.

Athletic aren’t quite there yet, but they can’t be too far off.


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