27th October 1999
27th October 1999 DAVID McNIVEN begins his Athletic comeback tonight to give manager Andy Ritchie some welcome relief on the injury front. McNiven has missed the last three games with a badly-twisted ankle, the setback coming at the worst possible time for the 21-year-old striker. After recovering from a serious injury, he had forced his way back into the side and scored his first senior goal for 18 months to set up the victory over Luton.
Only a few days later, McNiven fell awkwardly in training and has since seen Craig Dudley take his place with impressive effect. McNiven plays for the reserves against Port Vale tonight and could force his way into Ritchie's plans for Saturday's FA Cup first-round tie against Chelmsford. An attacking line-up also includes Steve Whitehall, Paul Beavers and Matthew Tipton. Tipton has been showing up well for the reserves, but needs to start carrying that form forward if he is to reclaim his place in the senior side. Whitehall is knocking on the first-team door, while Beavers continues to improve his fitness after an Achilles problem.