Patience is key

DID THE BALL CROSS THE LINE? . . . Freddie Ladapo's header bounces down off the crossbar in the 89th minute against the Dons, but appeals for a goal were waved away

2 More Image(s) In Gallery

PATIENCE will pave the way for Athletic's success, says manager Stephen Robinson.

After coming within a whisker of seeing off Wimbledon with a late flurry of action in the goalless draw, boss Robinson feels the breaks didn't quite favour his side in the second half at SportsDirect.com Park.

With the transfer window back open again in seven weeks' time - by when, Athletic have the chance to make it into the third round of the FA Cup - Robinson wants to continue working towards success after building a squad from scratch, on a shoestring, in the summer.

"Everyone wants instant success and if you have £20million to throw at it, the likelihood is you will probably get out of League One," said Robinson, whose side travel to leaders Scunthorpe on Saturday sitting 22nd in Sky Bet League One and three points from safety.

BUDGET

"We don't have that. We have a very small budget and get crowds of 3,500 to 4,000. We don't have the money to throw at it so we try to bring in good characters.

"We have done that and they are getting an understanding of the game.

"If people want the X-Factor and instant success then it will be a merry-go-round and a change of managers every three months, which it has been previously.

"Or, you have patience and let things be built, like (Wimbledon manager) Neal Ardley has had and other managers who have been successful."

Robinson also said that he doesn't feel his side could have done an awful lot more to collect three points and follow up back-to-back successful missions in the FA Cup against Doncaster and Checkatrade Trophy at Blackburn.

"We dug in and it was a difficult first half with both teams cancelling each other out," the manager added.

"We were the better team in the second half and created a lot of chances. We played some good football in the final third.

"I understand results dictate emotions - of course they do. Peter Clarke scores from an inch and we all go away saying what a super performance. But the fact he doesn't score, doesn't make it a bad performance."

TV DATE

ATHLETIC'S second-round FA Cup clash at Lincoln City will be broadcast live on BT Sport. The tie will be played at Sincil Bank on Monday, December 5 (7.45pm kick-off).

Both clubs will pick up a broadcast fee of £72,000 and the winners will also claim £27,000 prize money.

No tickets are available in advance and admission is through payment at the turnstiles. Prices are £10 adults, £5 concessions and £2 under-18s.

The second-round tie in the Checkatrade Trophy at Walsall will now be played on Tuesday, December 13 (7.45pm kick-off) at the Banks's Stadium.

Admission for that game, also payable at the turnstiles, is £10 adults and £5 concessions.