We will get it right — Dunn

GET OUT OF MY WAY . . . Athletic forward Michael Higdon brushes aside a Mansfield Town opponent in the goalless draw at Field Mill. PICTURES by ALAN HOWARTH.

BOSS David Dunn says he could not really blame Athletic’s supporters for booing the team off the pitch at Mansfield, admitting he wouldn’t have been happy with the action level on show in a drab draw.

Ravaged by injuries to several key men, the ineligibility of Jay Fulton and the suspension of captain Liam Kelly, Athletic had to stretch every sinew to earn a replay thanks to a scoreless draw at the Sky Bet League Two hopefuls amid tough conditions due to strong winds.

Only substitute Lee Croft — who added to the casualties list by hobbling off 23 minutes after stepping on to the turf at Field Mill — tested veteran goalkeeper Brian Jensen.

This was despite Dunn setting out his side in an attack-minded formation with the intention of making a real statement.

The final whistle brought jeers from fans, who have now watched their side fail to score for three matches running.

“Everyone is disappointed when we don’t win games and nobody more so than myself,” said Dunn, who revealed after the game that centre-back James Wilson picked up an ankle injury in training last Friday.

“If I had been sat with them in there watching, I would perhaps expect a little bit more entertainment.

“But we are very confident we will get it right.”

REPLAY

The replay with the Stags takes place at SportsDirect.com Park on Tuesday, November 17 (7.45pm kick-off), with Dunn grateful that Athletic keep their place in tonight’s draw for round two.

“We saw at Salford what upsets can be caused — and we had to make sure we weren’t one of them,” Dunn added, referring to Notts County’s shock exit.

“We needed to make sure we were in the hat. Of course, it is disappointing not to come away with the win, but I can’t fault the lads’ commitment and effort.

“There were times wheN they were making tackles and blocking shots on the line and that is what you ask of them.

“The conditions were difficult and let’s be fair, it was an FA Cup tie and Mansfield were up for it.

“One thing I said to the players before the game was, ‘don’t let them surprise you’. That can happen in cup games when sides face opponents from a higher division.

“We stuck to our guns, without creating many chances. It wasn’t great viewing.”

Kelly returns for Saturday’s trip to Chesterfield and Dunn will hope that with players returning, he won’t need to name himself as a substitute again.

In trying to relieve the pressure, he admitted he was considering putting on himself, but instead turned to new loan signing Giorgio Rasulo (18), who is with the club from MK Dons until January 2.

“There were times when I was tempted,” Dunn admitted. “The front lads were a bit off the pace.

“That isn’t a criticism — it was just one of those days where it didn’t happen for them up there.

“It was difficult to judge the ball with the wind. With young Giorgio, we have just brought him in, but we thought that bringing him on for Dominic Poleon, he could get on the ball and get us up the pitch a little bit.”

Mike Jones’ ankle was not risked, while goalkeeper David Cornell sat out the game with a hand injury.