Latics ain’t lovin’ it

MATT Derbyshire is brought down by Coventry goalkeeper Joe Murphy, but the on-loan forward was already flagged for off-side.

2 More Image(s) In Gallery

Athletic 0, Coventry 1
Athletic’s latest depressing show — played out with a cast of what manager Paul Dickov admits is the best he has worked with — left its audience uncomfortable in their seats.

Again, Athletic failed to take their scoring chances.

Matt Derbyshire had the best, his scuffed close-range shot blocked by Coventry goalkeeper Joe Murphy; Jose Baxter was perhaps unfortunate in hitting the post with a fizzing low shot from 25 yards out.

Cody McDonald of Coventry’s decisive 89th-minute goal wrapped Athletic in more knots of misery, giving former Boundary Park Juniors starlet Mark Robins three points.

Once again, that goal was horrible from a defensive standpoint. A cross was ushered into Athletic’s penalty area almost at the end of normal time and McDonald was the liveliest, reaching the ball first to divert it home off Jean-Yves Mvoto.

How many repeat showings Athletic will allow before taking serious behind-the-scenes action remains to be seen. Now in the bottom four, results and form suggest the belief results will soon change for the better is a matter of faith, not hard evidence.

No victories at home in six matches, and five goals in eight games, are hideous statistics however you look at them. Even the quality of new players Derbyshire, Baxter and Wabara — not to mention improving left winger Cristian Montano — hasn’t altered the balance. Too many players appear out of form and not enjoying their football.

Supporters are enjoying it even less — though there still exists a swell of support for Dickov other managers with similar records have not had. This might still not be enough in a game and job judged on the coldness of results.


Our website carries only a small number of heavily-edited stories from tonight’s print and eChron editions
Follow us on Twitter @oldhamchronicle