Right place, right time for Latics

LATE DRAMA . . . Matt Smith prods home Athletic’s equaliser in the last minute of injury time.

ATHLETIC striker Matt Smith heeded manager Paul Dickov’s words of advice to grab a stunning last-gasp equaliser against npower League One promotion-chasers Sheffield United.

The substitute side-footed home in the seventh minute of injury time to cancel out Nick Blackman’s second-half penalty strike for the Blades.

The 1-1 draw stretched Athletic’s unbeaten run to three games, - and it was a point thoroughly deserved after another display of attacking verve against a side considered to be one of the strongest in the division.

Dickov said: “As soon as Jose Baxter got on the ball, Matt knew it was going to come in with quality and he gambled. I am delighted for the big man.”

Athletic’s on loan full-back Reece Wabara again impressed and Dickov is working hard to keep the youngster, ideally for the rest of the season.

His current month-long deal from parent club Manchester City expires after Saturday’s league game.

Dickov said: “Talks are ongoing. We had a representative from City down and I am pretty sure they want Reece to stay as well.”



ATHLETIC captain Dean Furman played for the full 90 minutes in South Africa’s 1-0 defeat against Poland.

The midfielder, who was booked just after the hour-mark in the clash at the Warsaw National Stadium, is also expected to feature for the Bafana in tomorrow’s friendly in Kenya.






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