Dickov’s moment to savour

FANCY FOOTWORK: Matt Derbyshire displays his agility.

AS Athletic basked in a second successive victory manager Paul Dickov acclaimed Cristian Montano’s first goal for the club as among the best he has witnessed under his charge.

A superb length-of-field move started with the left winger himself, before a sweet Jose Baxter turn and a slick first-time pass from Jonathan Grounds contributed to setting the £60,000 former West Ham prospect in on goal.

A low finish across over-worked Preston goalkeeper Thorsten Stuckmann followed and Athletic were deservedly two goals to the good.

“That goal was close to the best we have scored,” said Dickov.

“That is what we are capable of and what we keep telling the players they are capable of.

“The big test is to do it at Sheffield United.”

Bramall Lane was the scene of Athletic’s most memorable triumph last season.

Said Dickov: “On Tuesday and here, we have set our standards. From start to finish we were excellent again.

“To a man, without the ball the players pressed and worked and the team shape was magnificent. I don’t think anybody could begrudge us the result.”








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