Dickov: We got what we deserved

COOL AS YOU LIKE: Jose Baxter scores Athletic’s late consolation goal from the penalty spot.

Dickov: We got what we deserved


COOL AS YOU LIKE: Jose Baxter scores Athletic’s late consolation goal from the penalty spot.
MATTHEW CHAMBERS



LIMP Athletic were on the receiving end of a blast from manager Paul Dickov, who lost the services of striker Matt Derbyshire with a rib injury as the recent run of form drew to a halt at Carlisle last night.



A calamitous error from Cliff Byrne in gifting possession inside his own box helped the home side to their first goal in the second half.

And two more followed before Jose Baxter netted a late consolation from the penalty spot in the 3-1 defeat.

All the goals came after a half-time interval in which Derbyshire was withdrawn from the action.

“Matt took a kick in his ribs and will be going for an x-ray, so we will have to see how he is,” said Dickov of his joint-top scorer, whose current loan deal expires after the game at Crawley on Saturday.

Greg Abbott’s men were worthy of their three points, which were gained through a pair of goals from Joe Garner and one from Matty Robson.

On his own players, Dickov had kind words only for the substitute pair of Chris Sutherland and Matt Smith, the latter winning the spot-kick for his side.

“All three goals (conceded) were individual errors and it seems a bit like déjà vu going back to the start of the season,” said Dickov, whose side drop to 17th place in the npower League One table.

“We are at our best when we play high-tempo football and we didn’t get that.

“It isn’t good enough and I want to apologise to the fans.

“We got what we deserved, as we didn’t turn up at all.

“We had warned the players beforehand and at half-time, we weren’t playing well at all.

“Our recent performances have come about through good football but also our attitude and desire without the ball. We didn’t see that.

“The players know how I feel.”




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