Recovery mission

AFTER the loss at Spotland, Athletic boss Stephen Robinson is turning his attention to this weekend's FA Cup clash against Doncaster

DECLARING himself "gutted" that Athletic could not produce a positive derby result, Stephen Robinson says he is under no illusions as to the importance of the FA Cup to the club.

Matty Lund's goal in the first half did the damage at Rochdale, as under-par Athletic failed to find the net despite an improved showing in the second half.

The seventh defeat of the season means Robinson's side will stay in 22nd spot at least until the Sky Bet League One campaign resumes with the visit of AFC Wimbledon on Saturday, November 12.

Before that, there is the matter of the home FA Cup first-round tie against Doncaster to deal with.

Rovers, currently third in League Two after a 2-2 home draw with Wycombe at the weekend, sit between Athletic and an £18,000 prize for making it into the second stage.

Robinson knows his side will need to be ready for the battle and could be tempted to make changes to his line-up.

"We all want to win football matches and for it to happen yesterday, really," the manager said.

"We know where we are in the league and now we have a cup game that is a tough tie.

"Make no mistake, we know how important it is. And we need to produce and need to get everyone behind us.

"The players have to recognise what they are good at, match the physical side of the game.

'BLAME'

"We have questioned a few, but I brought everyone to the club so I take the blame on that."

Athletic were backed by a noisy contingent of 1,995 supporters at Spotland and Robinson was moved after the game to pay tribute to their vocal efforts in attempting to lift the team.

With entry for the Doncaster game only £10 adults and £5 concessions, the manager hopes that fans will stick with the team despite the recent setbacks.

"The fans were fantastic and sang their hearts out," he added.

"I don't know how much more backing the boys want from the fans. Even at 1-0 down, they were urging them on.

"As I said to the players, being brave on the ball will get people behind you. I can only give credit to the supporters as they were brilliant. They could not have backed them any more.

"I am as disappointed as they are and gutted we weren't able to send them away with a positive result."

ATHLETIC'S fans' forum, originally scheduled to take place tonight, has been rearranged.

The new date has been set for Monday, November 28 (7pm to 9pm).

The event will take place in the Oldham Event Centre and will be free of charge to attend, but supporters must register for a ticket beforehand.

Those who have bought tickets to the scheduled event will be given full refunds.

Supporters will have the option to buy food during the night on a first come first serve basis and bookings for the event are available from Friday, November 4.