Wingers played key roles – Dickov

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ATHLETIC manager Paul Dickov admitted it was all about the result, as a goal from Jonathan Grounds saw off dangerous opponents.

Converted to a winger in place of the suspended Cristian Montano, Grounds’ early strike and a solid rearguard action helped claim a second victory of the week against Shrewsbury.

It was hardly a classic. But after the collapse at Bournemouth, Dickov was more than satisfied with the collective effort of his men.

“We said after Bournemouth it was important that we got six points out of the next two games,” said Dickov, whose team is up to 16th in the npower League One table, with tomorrow’s game in hand at Doncaster next.

“We did that. We have not been at our best, football-wise, but it’s all about the result. If we get the performances as well all well and good. But the boys have shown a bit of steel in these last two games.”

The work of both wingers was a talking point. With Matt Smith in the team in place of suspended Jose Baxter, the brief for Grounds was to provide crosses for the tall striker.

On the opposite flank, Croft was charged with the same task.