25th April 2000   

More on the Easter games

MANAGER Andy Ritchie has called for the art of positive thinking as Athletic's topsy-turvy season draws to a close. Yesterday's win at Notts County came hot on the heels of successive home defeats by bottom-four clubs Chesterfield and Cardiff. Ritchie revealed that the rapid change in fortunes hadn't come about by accident. He said: "I had a go at the players for their lack of desire a couple of weeks ago and we majored on that in the build-up to yesterday. "We wanted to get the troops together and make sure there was an improvement in attitude. "People will look at that result and Notts County is a hard ground to play at and sit up and take notice. "They will look at us and wonder if we'll be a force next season. The higher we finish, the more that will happen. We are trying to make them realise how important that is because, nowadays, you have to be a thinking player. If there is any edge or advantage to be had, you have to make sure you take it." 

Athletic's hopes of a big finish, however, could be scuppered by their incredible run of injuries. Wing-back Andrew Holt is doubtful for Saturday's home game against Blackpool in which The Seasiders could be relegated after limping out of yesterday's game. A heavy tackle saw Holt suffer bruising above his left foot, although the damage isn't serious. Skipper Lee Duxbury was left out at Meadow Lane after picking up a slight knee injury on Saturday. And Richard Graham's appalling luck continued when he hurt his neck in the same game after sliding into an advertising board. Athletic's reserves are due to play champions Manchester City tonight in the Pontins League premier division. 

The game at Hyde United will kick off at 7 pm, subject to a pitch inspection. Reserves: Miskelly, Haining, McLaughlin, Futcher, Oliver, Smith, Walsh, Wharton, Gardiner, Tipton, Froggatt. Subs: Robertson, Roberts, Hall, Doran, Otto.

MANAGER Andy Ritchie missed another dismal home performance on Saturday as Athletic slumped to their 10th Boundary Park defeat of the season. Ritchie was on a scouting mission, weighing up a mystery player he hopes his club can afford to buy in the summer. And the video evidence of this display — albeit from a team lacking several key names — will have hammered home the need for new blood. It was a carbon copy of the Chesterfield match four days earlier, with Athletic taking an early lead against opponents in danger of the drop. They took their foot off the pedal once again and, though the overall standard wasn’t as bad, were clearly second best in almost every department. Athletic’s experimental line-up saw defender Stuart Thom play up front, Scott McNiven move to left-midfield and striker Craig Dudley make a surprise return in McNiven’s position of right wing-back. Of those changes, Thom did extremely well as the aerial presence Ritchie has long wanted to include — and, finances permitting, could be including soon. The 6ft 2ins centre-half was a gamekeeper-turned-poacher when scoring his side’s opener and relished the challenge of a role he has played fleetingly in the past.

Dudley was also a success out wide, where his pace proved a menace for Cardiff until a lack of match fitness told in the second half. Athletic thought they were ahead after seven minutes when visiting goalkeeper Seamus Kelly spilled Dudley’s high cross and McNiven tapped in the loose ball. Rather harshly, referee Richard Beeby had already blown for a foul on the ‘keeper by Thom. But they did go in front in the 15th minute with a goal inspired by Dudley’s quick break. The resulting corner was turned back in by Lee Duxbury and Steve Whitehall’s flick gave Thom the chance to lash home from six yards at the far post. Cardiff refused to be knocked from their stride and they were in control even before Jason Bowen equalised in style just before the break. Kevin Nugent back-heeled across the box and the on-rushing Bowen smashed a rising first-time piledriver high into the net from 12 yards. Cardiff’s momentum proved unstoppable for dishevelled Athletic, and it was no surprise when they completed their comeback in the 51st minute. On-loan forward Paul Brayson was the scorer, turning neatly on the edge of the box before beating David Miskelly from 12 yards. Although Thom had a good headed chance with a quarter of an hour to go, Athletic found little in response. It was the Welshmen who finished the stronger, leaving head coach Bill Urmson to carpet his players in a way that Ritchie knows only too well. 

IN a gesture typical of their season, Athletic responded to Saturday’s disappointment with a show of pride and professionalism at Meadow Lane. Countless times over the past few months, they have let down their home fans, only to produce the goods when the pressure is on to hit back. Away grounds have become their sanctuaries, and it was the familiar story yesterday as Athletic ensured the Easter programme wasn’t a total loss. They showed organisation and spirit to see off a home team who have tumbled alarmingly from play-off hopefuls to mid-table drifters. Victory was secured by substitute Matthew Tipton, who had replaced the injured Andrew Holt only nine minutes earlier. Tipton’s opportunist clincher — his second goal in four games — provided Athletic with an eighth away win and gives them every chance of the top-ten finish called for by boss Andy Ritchie. Due to a knee injury, it was Lee Duxbury’s turn to have a break from Athletic’s busy schedule, with Shaun Garnett taking over as skipper.

Danny Boshell came into midfield, Ryan Sugden replaced Steve Whitehall up front and Gary Kelly was back in goal. With the veteran behind them to bark instructions and warnings, Athletic’s defence was, crucially, more secure than in previous games. They played like a unit again and, although stretched occasionally, hardly ever reached for the panic button. Sergeant Major Garnett was superb in keeping the troops in line, while Phil Salt tracked back well as the main cover. Salt’s fellow midfielders also worked hard to stifle a County team who tried, with few signs of confidence, to play the right way. It was just the kind of game Boshell needed to speed up his first-team education. With space to play and a fraction of time to pick his passes, the 18-year-old kept things ticking over with sensible use of possession. With target-man Stuart Thom again making a nuisance of himself, Athletic had a strong spine on which to base their efforts. They were solid and single-minded, rather than slack and sleepy, and might have easily come away with a more decisive scoreline.

Ironically, a poor defensive header by Paul Jones brought the first threat at either end, County’s Mark Stallard picking up on the mistake to force a block from Kelly. The hosts were equally lax shortly after as Boshell charged down Alex Dyer’s clearance and advanced on Darren Ward, who dived to his right to save the youngster’s 18-yard shot. Other than forcing errors, neither side had much to shout about until Athletic carved out a terrific opening after 24 minutes. Neat interplay in midfield saw Salt move to the edge of the box, where he was met by a two-way challenge. The ball squirmed out to Thom with a clear sight of goal, but Ward dashed off his line quickly to block a first-time effort from no more than eight yards. Stung into action, County produced their best move, with Andy Hughes popping up on the left to deliver a cross which was glanced wide by Stallard. Athletic were back on the offensive after 31 minutes when the ball fell for Boshell, who cracked a 22-yard drive against the foot of a post, although a flag had already been raised for offside in the middle.

It was developing into an open contest, and the home side had another half-chance when Kevin Rapley’s close-range shot was blocked. Ryan Sugden then sent a brave diving header past the post while Hughes, who began his career with Athletic, produced an excellent run before testing Kelly’s reflexes. Athletic should have gone ahead four minutes after the break when Holt — with all the time and space he could ever need — headed straight at Ward from six yards. The glaring miss was almost punished, but Paul Bolland fluffed an attempted curler after breaking free down the left. Although County were now on top, they still looked unlikely to make a breakthrough. That instead arrived, in the 71st minute, from an Athletic side who had been comfortable since the break without posing much threat. It was a clanger from left wing-back Richard Liburd which opened the way, his header back to Ward falling woefully short. Tipton ran on to the loose ball and, without a moment’s hesitation, clipped a precise angled shot inside the far post from 10 yards.

Tipton’s fellow sub, Steve Whitehall, made a great chance for himself only five minutes later as he nutmegged Gary Owers to cut through the centre of County’s defence. But, having done the hard work, Whitehall dragged his shot wide with just the ’keeper to beat. As the home crowd vented their disapproval — singling out Liburd for some ridiculous abuse — County’s mediocre performance took a serious dip. Athletic passed the post in a canter and much of Meadow Lane’s lowest crowd of the season had streamed away long before the formality of the final whistle.

Oldham beat Notts County 1-0 on Monday but could have won easily had they been more convincing in front of goal. Andy Ritchie has been bemoaning a lack of quality finishing in front of goal all season and felt that the two fixtures over Easter once again highlighted the season-long problem. Indeed after the defeat at the hands of Cardiff on Saturday the boss commented: "We should have wrapped it up by half-time - it was another three points thrown away." Oldham were again guilty of profligate finishing on Monday but managed to keep a clean sheet. The Latics are now twelfth in the table and are aiming to finish the campaign in their highest position this season. Eleventh is the highest the Latics have been so far. 

Perverse it may be, but Notts' barn storming start to the season has certainly returned to haunt them. Six months ago Meadow Lane was a bubbling, confident place to be. But come 5pm last night, the atmosphere could not have been more different. Having hit their worst run of form since February 1997 — the last time a Notts County side slumped to four consecutive defeats — Meadow Lane was indeed a morbid place to be. And while they may well be paying the price for the level of expectation they themselves set six months ago, there is a real danger that the Magpies could go into the summer on a very sour note. Certainly there the confidence and self belief which October's Notts County side displayed was not to be seen in the one which took to the pitch at Meadow Lane yesterday. Though, given the circumstance, perhaps that should not be too surprising. That Notts County fans have lost patience is thoroughly understandable.

For Gary Brazil, the fact that many of them chose to boo and jeer his side for 90 minutes yesterday, will not be. Brazil has broad enough shoulders to bear the weight of calls for his head from supporters — which were as vocal as they have ever been last night. But you could almost see the confidence physically fall away from the players when they themselves came under fire from sections of the crowd. That Richard Liburd was at fault for the Oldham goal — when his soft back pass to Ward was intercepted by substitute Matthew Tipton, who swept the ball confidently past the Notts keeper on 72 minutes — was of little surprise, as he had been the target of most abuse throughout the match. After the match the dejected manager admitted he would be happy to see this season come to an end. Looking back at the events of the game, it is easy to see why.

Notts began brightly enough, with Mark Stallard forcing a neat save from Gary Kelly at his near post on eight minutes — and Matt Redmile heading over from the resulting corner. A little later Stallard threatened again — and perhaps should have scored instead of glancing his header wide — as Andy Hughes found his late run into the box with a perfectly flighted ball from the left. And while Darren Ward — who missed the Wycombe match as his wife gave birth to a baby boy — was twice called upon to demonstrate his abilities, most notably as he tipped Sugden's long-range drive onto the post, Oldham rarely threatened the Notts goal. Unfortunately, as the game developed, it became increasingly obvious that the same would be true at the opposite end of the pitch. As at Wycombe, Notts were again guilty of failing to make the most of their domination. Against an Oldham side which included eight players under the age of 21, Notts had the upper hand for long periods. But they simply never looked like they would score. On paper the tally of 15 attempts on goal is respectable. But the fact that only four were on target — and that Paul Bolland was the only Notts player to force Kelly to make a save in the second half — paints a more realistic picture.

Perhaps it is no coincidence that Notts' poor run of form began with the 2-1 defeat at Burnley — and the death of any realistic hopes they had of making the play-offs. Brazil's claim that his players were physically and emotionally drained would certainly bear some credence on yesterday's evidence. But the final two games of the campaign could yet prove to be of considerable significance. Two victories would perhaps restore a little bit of the confidence Notts have seen chipped away in the past few weeks. Two defeats would only force the memory of that fantastic start to the season further to the back of supporters' minds.

The Notts boss reflected on a disappointing performance from his side, by saying: "It has gone a bit wrong for us over the past few weeks". "The wheels have definitely come off for us," said Brazil. "I think one point from a possible 18 probably demonstrates that. "And we are obviously disappointed. But we are a very tired team to be fair. "Though we had the same problems as we did at Wycombe. "Andy Hughes looked bright until he had to go off with a thigh strain in the second half and I thought Paul Bolland did well. "If I am honest I though I thought the game was a 0-0 all the way, I thought it would just peter out. "But then Richard Liburd made a bit of a mistake and let them in to score.

"My main concern now is that this season will be viewed as a failure, I do not want that to happen. "It is not fair on these players who have worked so hard for so long. "I have lost count of the number of managers who after games, have shook hands and said ‘you've had a good season'. "Laurie Sanchez said it following the Wycombe game. "They've seen the resources we have here and realise that we have done well to get where we are. "And though it was no consolation at the time, it was good to hear. "I realise the supporters don't always see it like that, but we definitely do not want to end this season on a low note. We don't deserve that. Not for all the hard work these players have put in."

Wigan's already faint hopes of catching Preston were snuffed out as they drew 1-1 at Kenilworth Road. Phil Gray equalised Neil Redfearn's penalty but the Latics remain in second spot, albeit now only on goal difference, from Lancashire rivals Burnley.

The Clarets came from behind to win 3-2 at Brentford. Lloyd Owusu's 43rd-minute lob put the Bees ahead but the arrival of super-sub Ian Wright on the hour turned the game on its head. John Mullin levelled the scores in the 61st minute after good work by Wright before the former Arsenal sharp-shooter put the Clarets ahead two minutes later. Mullin's second settled the game after 76 minutes before Scott Marshall's last-minute consolation.

Fellow promotion rivals Millwall and Gillingham played out an incident-packed 2-2 draw. The Lions looked to be cruising early on, going 2-0 up inside eight minutes with strikes from Paul Moody and Paul Ifill. But Ty Gooden struck back for the visitors and Andy Hessenthaler equalised five minutes before half time. The result leaves both sides tied on 79 points, just three points short of Wigan and Burnley, with the Gills having a game in hand.

Blackpool turned the form book on its head, and kept their chances of staying up alive, with a 2-1 win over faltering Bristol Rovers. Second-half goals from Wayne Gill and James Thomas gave the Seasiders only their fourth home victory of the season, after Jason Roberts had opened Rovers' account in the 36th minute. Steve McMahon's men move above Scunthorpe on goal difference, who lost 2-0 at home to Stoke. Peter Thorne notched his 24th and 25th goals of the season to keep the Potters firmly in touch with the play-off positions.

Cardiff slipped into the danger zone after Adrian Littlejohn secured a 1-0 win for Bury at Ninian Park. The Bluebirds swap places with Oxford, who earned a point at Bristol City, although Cardiff have a game in hand. Strikes from Paul Powell and veteran Steve Davis equalled two from Bristol's Alex Meechan and Aaron Brown.

In the local derby at the Madejski Stadium, goals from Nicky Forster and Martin Williams gave Reading a 2-1 win over Wycombe, despite having Peter Grant dismissed for two bookable offences.

Elsewhere, Notts County lost 1-0 at home to Oldham, and a Phil Hardy penalty gave Wrexham a 1-0 victory over Colchester.

Leeds and Oldham will have to wait for two weeks to see if their controversial link-up to nurture promising young soccer players is approved by the Football League. The League have already expressed their concern at the Premiership club acquiring a 9.9% stake in the second division side. Leeds are confident they have found a legal 'loophole' in the academy system allowing them to cultivate talent from beyond Yorkshire. But Football League spokesman John Neagle reacted to the move by hinting the organisation had the power to stop the project going ahead. He said: "The League's board are set to meet in the next 10-12 days and the matter will be discussed then. "We have not given our consent and if necessary have the power to prevent it happening. "The whole issue will need to be examined and we will be contacting Leeds and Oldham." Current rules restrict teams to signing players under 16 who live within a 90-minute radius of the club's academy, but Leeds yesterday announced their joint venture with Oldham to further youth development within both clubs. Leeds, in a 50-50 initiative with Oldham, want to help fund Athletic's centre of excellence for an initial five-year period, with the money likely to ensure the Second Division club gain full academy status in the near future. The arrangement would expand the geographic area from which Leeds can recruit new talent.