Momentum is crucial for Athletic

Date published: 07 December 2018


Athletic should finally get the chance to extend their unbeaten run to seven matches in all competitions tomorrow.

After seeing the midweek Checkatrade Trophy derby clash at Rochdale washed out, manager Frankie Bunn was disappointed, but confidence is still high in the camp ahead of tomorrow’s League Two trip to Crewe.

“It's great to get that momentum,” said Bunn.

“I think it's important because it breathes confidence with good results and hopefully that'll continue.

“There are no easy games like we keep saying, they're all competitive and physical so we all know what to expect and we have to make sure we turn up on the day.

“Crewe are renowned for bringing players through their academy.

“I think they've got five or six that are in the squad that have been there a while.

“They're doing ok, they've got a very good home record and again they'll be difficult opponents.”

Bunn provided an injury update on the players who will be missing and returning.

The exact extent of Dan Gardner’s injury is still yet to be confirmed as he goes for another scan, with Bunn simply hoping to see him back as soon as possible.

“We're still waiting with Dan,” added Bunn.

“I think he's going to have a second opinion and until I know the full details of that I can't really comment.

“We've lost one of our players that means a lot to us and hopefully he can get back as quickly as possible.

“Jordan (Lyden) has trained. He'd had been ready for the Rochdale game, so he's back in the fold.

“The long-term injuries aren't in the fold yet are Jose (Baxter), Jonathan (Benteke) and Zeus (De La Paz), and obviously Ishmael (Miller) is still suspended.”

Pay-on-the-day will be available for supporters for the trip to the Alexandra Stadium tomorrow.

Away supporters are seated in the Whitby Morrison Ice Cream Van Stand and Athletic have received an allocation of 1,023 tickets.

Athletic’s trip to Rochdale's Crown Oil Arena in round two of the Checkatrade Trophy, has been rescheduled.

The match will take place next Tuesday, December 11, with a 7pm kick-off.

The date for Athletic's FA Cup third round tie at Premier League Fulham has also been confirmed.

The match will take place on Sunday, January 6, 2019, with a 2pm kick-off.

Athletic have received an allocation of 2,500 tickets and their supporters will be situated in the Putney End.


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