Follow that!

Manager Paul Dickov celebrates after a morale-boosting 2-0 win.

Now Latics boss wants more of the same

THE standard has been set, says Paul Dickov — now go out and do it again.

Athletic thoroughly dominated Crewe last night to record a one-sided victory with second-half goals from substitute James Tarkowski and Matt Derbyshire.

With Athletic’s manager under pressure to turn poor results around, the performance and three points were a welcome tonic as the club climbed out of the npower League One relegation zone.

The only downside was an ankle injury to Jean-Yves Mvoto.

“I know there was pressure and I understand it,” said the 39 year old after one of the best all-round showings of his managerial career.

“But I was sure we could turn it round. Crewe are a good team. Against MK Dons on Saturday, they were very unlucky not to get anything.

“We suffocated them when they didn’t have the ball, especially in the first half. How we didn’t come in three or four up, I’ll never know.

“They have set their own standard now. I keep saying I believe in them and the sort of football they can play. We have to continue it now and move on to Saturday.”

Athletic rained in 11 shots at goal in the first half and had a pair of strikes disallowed.

Athletic are optimistic that the injury which forced Mvoto to be assisted off the field at the end of the first half will not be serious.”

Athletic are 19th in the division, with a game in hand on many of the sides around them.



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