Banks comes to the fore

SLIDING CELEBRATION . . . Ollie Banks shows his delight after putting Athletic ahead at Port Vale

ATHLETIC'S talented midfielder Ollie Banks is on a major roll at the moment, and his recent impressive form was rewarded with his second goal of the season in midweek.

His free-kick - the opening strike in an entertaining 2-2 draw at Port Vale - was helped by a deflection as it made its way past stranded Vale 'keeper Jak Alnwick, but it was just reward for a starring display - what was the latest from the 24-year-old ex-Chesterfield schemer.

"I thought Ollie was terrific and he's probably been our best player for the last three games," said Athletic boss Steve Robinson.

"He's really getting the handle on the way we want him to play - that's dominating the midfield while also concentrating on the defensive side.

"He fully deserved his goal, and let's be honest, that's the first bit of luck any of us have had all season. We were due one, surely.

"He hit the target, and sometimes that's what happens. He got a slice of luck."

Maybe lady luck is starting to turn in Athletic's favour again after a season of inconsistencies so far.

As has been well documented in recent weeks, the lines between success and failure in Sky Bet League One can be extremely fine.

In the past week, Robinson's team have bossed leaders Scunthorpe before going down to a solitary late winner at Glanford Park.

On Tuesday, Athletic over-ran play-off chasing Vale, before then having to rely on Carl Winchester's injury-time strike to earn a well-deserved and exciting 2-2 outcome.

The Northern Irishman was clinical in beating Alnwick from eight yards, but Banks' goal did feature an element of fortune.

Robinson added: "We really cut Port Vale open at times, and they're a good footballing side.

"We were aware of that, but we've got some decent players that can get hold of the ball.

"We just needed to take one of those chances. We know that - it's been the story of ours season so far.

"A little turn of fortune might be what we need. I certainly can't ask much more of the players.

"They scored goals on Tuesday and played some super stuff.

"We have to take the decent away performances into our home games and show our fans that we are a decent side. I still think it's just a matter of time before we start climbing up the table."