Stay positive

SO CLOSE: Matt Smith reacts after being denied by Brentford goalkeeper Simon Moore.

Little things aren’t going for us — Latics boss

AFTER falling to a third defeat of the season at well-fancied Brentford, Athletic manager Paul Dickov is convinced his team is in the middle of a streak of bad luck.

Dickov argued his side were worthy of a point. But Athletic’s run of two wins in 18 games remains hugely concerning.

Though the manager was told at the start of the season his main focus was to be steering clear of relegation — which is being acheved — the pressure is rising for Dickov’s recently-improved squad to start picking up more victories.

“At the start of the season people were asking me what my brief is,” said the Athletic boss.

“It is to stay in the division. But I don’t want just that. I want to push us high up the table.

“Little things at the moment aren’t quite going for us. I said to the boys to keep positive. With the players we have, we will pick up points if they do the right things.”

Substitute Smith was influential as Athletic pressed hard for an equaliser and with fellow sub Jose Baxter operating in midfield and showing impressive glimpses, the recent signing may well get his first start this weekend.

“I thought we did well and put a lot of pressure on their back four,” said Dickov. "We had a few chances and put a lot of balls into their box. It is disappointing but the lads were happy with the performance and the results will come, I am sure.”








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