Delivery poor, admits boss Tony

TONY Philliskirk was philosophical after suffering a first defeat of his current stay as Athletic’s caretaker manager.

Second-half goals from Michael Doyle and Dave Kitson did for the home side against the promotion-chasing Blades in a tight, physical tussle.

Philliskirk, whose son Danny was at Bramall Lane this season prior to his recent release and switch to Coventry, accepted that mistakes cost Athletic – not for the first time this season.

“With my lad being at Sheffield United earlier this season, I have seen a lot of them,” said the current boss.

“If they don’t go up, there is something wrong. They are the most efficient team I have seen in League One.

“There are no frills. They work hard and have a lot of experienced players who make the right decisions at the right times. That was the difference between the two teams.

“They play winning football and take no chances. We took two and conceded two goals and that was the difference.

“The first half was so nip and tuck. Neither side’s goalkeeper had a real save to make.

“Where we have been so good lately, in our set-piece delivery, we were very poor.

“Every time we got a corner or a free-kick it wasn’t good.

“There was nothing between us and the team who are at the top of the league.

“Listening to our lads in the dressing room afterwards, they feel that is why they are down there this year. Because they have conceded too many soft goals.

“We are trying to be positive with them and are putting things into perspective.

“We always knew this would be a tough game, especially on the back of Everton.

“I would have taken a draw before the game.

“On the positive side, we have a bit of a break now. The players will rest up and we pick them up and get them raring to go for another tough game at Tranmere.”

United boss Danny Wilson accepted his men had been involved in a tricky battle.

“It was a very hard fought contest,” he said. “We got a couple of breaks which we worked hard for and we played some decent football at times.

“They caused us problems in the air but we got ourselves through it and I am delighted to get the three points.”