Home form frustration for Dunn

THEO Vassell took a place on the bench against Burton Albion for the first time since signing a one-year deal with Athletic.

The ex-Stoke academy centre-back (18) has an option for a further year.

Second-year scholar Alex Read, a central midfielder, was also among the substitutes, underlining the selection issues boss David Dunn could face this weekend in the first round of the FA Cup.

The loss to Burton came despite his side carving out chances that weren’t taken. Dunn accepts the run of home results - one win in 13 - is hurting everyone.

“We would love to start winning, of course,” said the manager. “Everyone is frustrated within the club and none more so than the supporters. I’m hoping that after Burton there is some encouragement that we have played against a very organised team. “I’d imagine we created more chances against them than any other side this year. If we were a little more clinical, we would have won quite comfortably.”