It doesn’t get any bigger than this

TOTAL COMMITMENT: Robbie Simpson knows how much victory at Bury on Saturday would mean.

Robbie spells out significance of Bury showdown

ROBBIE Simpson believes the derby at Bury on Saturday is bigger than any other game Athletic have faced this season — including FA Cup-ties against Liverpool and Everton.

The striker says Athletic should be good enough to claim three points in the crunch clash at Gigg Lane.

Even if victory is achieved, thebattle isn’t over.

"It feels like we say it before every game, but without a doubt this is the biggest of our season," said Simpson.

"It is massive. If we win, a Scunthorpe win means our next game against Yeovil on Tuesday becomes the biggest.

"Hopefully, our supporters can get behind us, just as they did brilliantly at Preston. We are going to need everything on our side. It is still in our hands and we are confident."

Athletic have scored only three times in the last four games — two of the goals from Jose Baxter, who is starting a two-match suspension.

Simpson believes his partnership with Lee Barnard showed promise at Preston.

"It was the first time in a while I have started in a front two and the quality of ball into us was a lot better," he added. "It worked, though we know that our final pass and finish have to be better."



MANAGER Lee Johnson came off the bench for Athletic's reserves as they drew 3-3 at Bury yesterday in a Central League, West Division fixture.