Ladapo in fan salute

Photo: Max Flego

YOU'RE THE MAN . . . Freddie Ladapo is mobbed by fans after equalising for Athletic

FREDDIE Ladapo wasn't shy about sharing his special moment with Athletic's intrepid fans - even if it meant picking up a yellow card.

After scoring the equaliser at Gillingham, his first in the professional game, the Romford-born striker raced over to the 127 supporters who had travelled south to celebrate.

Ladapo, who had a major impact as a substitute even apart from his goal, felt that it was only right to acknowledge the travelling faithful.

"I didn't really understand why I got booked!," said the on-loan Crystal Palace player. "Maybe it was because I was celebrating for too long.

"The fans travel all the way, six-plus hours, to come and watch you and they want to feel that they are together with you and part of the team.

"I was happy running over to the fans and sharing it with them."

While it has been more hard labour than love following Athletic at home this term, the same can't be said of the club's away-days.

A total of 185 visiting fans were present for the midweek Charlton draw in which Peter Clarke netted a fully deserved and dramatic equaliser late in the game and only one defeat has come all season away from SportsDirect.com Park, at Millwall on the opening day. The hope is that more supporters will now be persuaded to make the journey to Bolton on Saturday as Stephen Robinson's men aim to make it three wins in a row in all competitions.

Whether Ladapo features from the off at the Macron Stadium is a judgment call to be made by a manager who at Fleetwood saw Billy Mckay score and hit a post.

For the man himself, Ladapo is simply performing to the best level he can and appears to be enjoying every moment of a career which has taken him from Margate last term to the bench (twice) for Crystal Palace in the Premier League this season, before his switch to Athletic.

he added: "When I first came I was starting and now I am coming off the bench.

"I just said to myself, you just have to soak it up and do your best when you come on. That's all I can do.

"It is a huge transition to go to Palace and this move for me is still a major jump from Margate.

"But I am just trying to put my head down and get on with everything."

TICKETS remain on sale for the Bolton game.

They must be bought in advance, either from Athletic's ticket office in person or via the club's online ticket website at www.eticketing.co.uk/oafc and are priced at £26 adults, £18 over-65s and under-23s, £10 under-18s and £7 under-12s.

Tickets go off sale at 3pm on Friday.

TICKETS are also on sale for the derby at Rochdale on Saturday, October 29.

It is an all-ticket game and prices are £22 adults, £16 concessions and £5 under-16s.

Tickets for that fixture go off sale at 3pm on Friday, October 28.