Dunn fixes on home boost

Hard work was the key to a scoreless draw

DAVID Dunn says his side should stick their chests out with pride after maintaining an unblemished away record — though the manager is determined to improve home form - starting with Burton on Saturday.

Hard work was the key to a scoreless draw at Rochdale, a game of few scoring chances watched by around 3,000 visiting fans.

Though Athletic have dropped a spot to 18th in the divisions as a result, manager Dunn says the run of eight away matches without defeat - a win and seven draws - needs to be accompanied by an upturn in fortunes at home, where the team has won only once this season.

“We are still unbeaten away, and we need to be proud of that,” said Dunn, who will today check the fitness of left-back Daniel Lafferty and midfield man Mike Jones, both players forced off early at Rochdale.

“The key will be our home form, without a doubt. We need to start winning home games and if we do that and carry on being as solid as we are away from home, we will be fine. Looking at the table, we are three wins away from the play-offs. There’s a lot to be optimistic about.”

Athletic’s manager paid tribute to his side’s defensive effort. Brian Wilson again slotted in at centre-back alongside namesake James; David Cornell made two reaction saves, and Liam Kelly mopped up when danger threatened.

“Brian has been excellent for us,” added Dunn. “The back five lads did very well, though we will have to look at Danny Lafferty and see how his shoulder is. That is unfortunate for himself and for us.

“It was a captain’s performance from Liam Kelly as well. The game isn’t always about pretty football. You can’t always go out there and do that. That was a typical derby game and we should not underestimate the point.”

Jones left the ground on crutches and a protective boot: He picked up a little ankle injury so we will monitor that in the next few days,” Dunn said.

Referee Andy Madley’s three yellow cards for Athletic left both Kelly and Jones on four bookings for the season. One more before November 30 will result in a one-match ban.