Dickov: Evina strike was one for the fans

UP AND RUNNING . . . Aidan White is mobbed by team-mates after putting Athletic in front last night. MATCH pictures: Alan Howarth

PAUL Dickov hailed Cedric Evina’s wonder strike in the 4-0 defeat of Hartlepool United — and thanked fans for making it possible.

Athletic might have missed out on securing the former Arsenal youngster’s services had it not been for the Player Share Scheme, which sees supporters put money towards wages for new arrivals at the club.

If anyone doubted the merits of the project before last night’s game at Boundary Park, they wouldn’t have done after seeing Evina smash home the third goal, before turning provider for Reuben Reid late on.

Aidan White and Chris Taylor were also on target.

Delighted boss Dickov said: “Cedric’s goal was great and I am pleased to see him do so well on his return to the team.

“The Player Share Scheme helped us bring him to the club on a permanent basis, so we are obviously grateful for that. It makes a big difference.

“Despite the fact I left Cedric out of the side for a couple of games he never moaned or sulked. He got his head down and worked hard in training.”

The victory saw Athletic hold on to fifth place in the npower League One table, with a number of fellow play-off hopefuls also claiming maximum points.

Dickov was particularly pleased with the solid look to his side, and a first clean sheet since last month’s 2-0 win at Plymouth Argyle.

“We looked compact and tight, which is something we have been working on,” said the Scot.

“The workrate was excellent all over the pitch. If a winger was out of position, someone would cover. We were on top of our game.

“Keeping clean sheets is important, too, so that is a big plus.”

Athletic’s strength in depth was highlighted by the presence of transfer deadline day additions Reuben Reid and Andy Todd on the substitutes’ bench.

And Dickov believes he has the strongest squad since his arrival last June.

He added: “The aim was to have a strong squad by the end of January and I think we saw that against Hartlepool.

“Andy brings a lot of experience and Reuben came on and scored a good goal late on.”