We must stay in the hunt – Dickov

JOSE BAXTER (left), celebrates his debut goal with team-mate Cliff Byrne. Baxter in frame for Brentford kick-off

PAUL Dickov has a clear vision of how his side need to play at Brentford tomorrow.

Athletic's manager admitted the team arrowed too many long punts upfield.

A stretched-out side couldn't get hold of the ball, allowing the visitors to dominate.

“When Matt Smith is on the pitch (as he was from the start against Scunthorpe) he is there to get on the end of things in the box," said Dickov.

"The tendency under pressure is to go long to him, early, and it doesn't give us time to get up the pitch to play football in their half.

"We are at our best when we hunt down the ball from teams and play in their half.”

One possibility to head off the direct trend is to field Jose Baxter in Smith's place from the kick-off. Or Robbie Simpson could get a recall alongside Matt Derbyshire after impressing as a substitute in the midweek draw.

"We have got lots of options for Brentford," Dickov added.

"Confidence is slowly but surely coming on. We have the makings of a good team here.”


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