My team showed character - Paul Dickov

WHAT A FEELING . . . Athletic boss Paul Dickov celebrates with his players at the final whistle.

THREE points was the reward Athletic manager Paul Dickov felt his side should have claimed in their feisty clash at Bramall Lane.

But with Athletic excellent against a side expected to gain promotion, the manager believed a repeat of last season’s stunning victory against the Blades should have been repeated.

“Smith’s goal was nothing less than we deserved. We deserved to win the game,” Dickov said.

“We had more attempts and looked a threat every time we went forward. With the spirit, attitude and desire the boys showed, I am really proud of them.”

“In the first half especially, we moved the ball really well,” the Athletic boss said. “We should have had a goal.

“The penalty incident happens 100 times in a game and nothing is given. You want referees to be strong when you come to places like this and I don’t think we got that.”

As for the late strike from Smith, Dickov said: “To come back and get an equaliser shows fantastic character. We are playing well at the minute.

Latics’ next game is at home to Leyton Orient on Saturday.

“Three wins out of four would be nothing less than the fans here deserve, as they were magnificent,” Dickov said.






OUR website carries heavily edited versions of stories only available in full in our print and eChron editions



Follow us on Twitter: @OldhamChronicle