James bristling with intent

James Dayton

JAMES Dayton’s beard may not survive the snip, but the winger is hoping his form at least will continue to blossom.

The 24-year-old former Kilmarnock player became famous, during his time north of the border, for his bushy facial furniture as well as performances on the field.

Dayton netted his second goal of the season in the draw at Bristol City last week, earning Athletic a point.

With Wolves coming to Boundary Park tomorrow, the former Crystal Palace trainee wants more of the same — perhaps this time, becoming more aerodynamic up front.

“I don’t think the missus would be too happy and I might have to shave it before the weekend,” Dayton joked, when asked whether an already-substantial growth would be allowed to continue.

On a serious front, Dayton hopes that the experience of facing Wolves at Molineux last month can serve Athletic in good stead when it comes to tomorrow’s FA Cup first-round tie.

“Playing them the second time, we need to learn from our mistakes and individual errors and hopefully rectify them to get a good result.

“It is a big week for us. Cup games are one-offs, but though I wasn’t here last year you can see what the FA Cup run did for everyone at the club.

“If we can get good cup form and continue that into the league, that would be great for us.”

After Wolves, Athletic face two further home matches: Notts County in the Northern area quarter-finals of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy on Tuesday, and MK Dons in Sky Bet League One on Saturday week, November 16.
For a full version of this story read the Chronicle in print or via the digital iChron and eChron editions on mobile and laptop.