Follow the leader

Liam Kelly

FOLLOW the skipper’s example — that’s the message David Dunn is preaching as he seeks to instil extra drive into his men to push themselves to the limit for the full 90 minutes.

Athletic captain Liam Kelly led the revival in the second half as the team came from behind to level through Mark Yeates against Barnsley on Saturday.

At that stage, Dunn’s side looked well set to claim three points and a third victory in as many outings.

And while an 89th-minute winner from Kevin Long punished defensive sloppiness, Dunn wants Kelly’s team-mates to match his intensity on the field, starting with the Sky Bet League One clash against Southend tonight (7.45pm).

“If we had played in the first half as we did the second, then we would have put Barnsley to bed,” said Dunn, who is not quite ready to welcome striker Jake Cassidy into the fray just yet.

“Liam was outstanding and really drove us on. That’s why everyone talks about him. It stands out like a sore thumb.”

Led by Phil Brown, the Shrimpers have enjoyed a solid season following promotion through the play-offs.

“We have watched them and they are a good side. They are very impressive going forward and pretty solid,” Dunn said.

“It will be a test for us.

Dunn can’t yet call on Mike Jones — the midfield man is back in training after an ankle injury but this game comes too soon — and he will juggle with the same squad.

“It is a bit too soon for Jake Cassidy — but hopefully he will be ready for Saturday (at Crewe).”

Much supporter chat has centred around attacking tactics, but Dunn stressed it isn’t as simple as simply fielding an additional striker.

He added: “Of course, people get emotional.

“But people don’t watch the opposition, or our games a second time around as we do.

“We have gone to two up front in the last three games, but it was only when we went one up front and one in behind that we played better against Chesterfield and Mansfield.

“This week, we took one off in the ‘hole’, went two up and looked better again.

“Sometimes, it’s a puzzle.

“But it is still early days yet and I know where I want to take us.

“It will take time to get us where we want to be.”
Athletic (probable, 4-4-2): Cornell; Dummigan, J Wilson, B Wilson, Mills; Philliskirk, Kelly, Fulton, Yeates; Higdon, Poleon. Subs (from): Coleman, Brown, Eckersley, Dieng, Vassell, Winchester, Rasulo, Fuller.