Danny looks for Athletic lift-off

DANNY WHITAKER

ATHLETIC midfielder Danny Whitaker says that getting something out of the Norwich game this weekend would provide a much-needed injection of belief.

The Canaries are flying high in the Coca-Cola League One standings at present, pushing Charlton — relegated along with City last season — for an automatic promotion place.

A chronic lack of goals has led to Athletic travelling rapidly in the opposite direction and a defeat at Carrow Road could leave Dave Penney’s side just a point clear of the four relegation places in League One come the end of play on Saturday.

Whitaker admits the current state of affairs is a frustrating one, but also believes that Athletic have far more ability than is currently being shown.

“We started the season well but in the last month since Pawel (Abbott) got injured the goals have dried up and it hasn’t happened for us in front of goal,” said Whitaker, who has only one goal to his name this term, scored in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy against Accrington.

“There is bags of potential in the squad, but we have to show that.

“We need something out of the Norwich game for our confidence, whether it is a draw or a win.”

Early chances went begging in the 2-0 home defeat to Leeds earlier this week at Boundary Park and Whitaker accepts this is a trend that must change sooner rather than later.

“It was very disappointing as we know how important it is to take the lead in games like that,” added the 29-year-old.

“Leeds are a very good team with a big squad and we needed to start well.

“The lack of goals is very frustrating, especially for a player like myself who enjoys scoring. But chances have been few and far between.

“And we don’t help ourselves sometimes, like the game at Walsall.

“That was one we had targeted to win, against a poor side and the red card (for Lee Hills) really killed us over there.”


A YOUNG Athletic reserves side defeated Bradford 1-0 at Stalybridge in the League Cup last night with a goal from centre-back Laquan Esdaile-Biney.