Boss praises players after vital win

Photo: Alan Howarth

HANDY WORK . . . John Sheridan gets his message across to Athletic’s players.

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ATHLETIC manager John Sheridan felt his side fully deserved the 2-1 victory at Peterborough that lifted the club to within a point of escaping the league relegation zone.

Captain Liam Kelly's second-half penalty put away Posh on their own patch, rendering immaterial Athletic goalkeeper Joel Coleman's earlier mistake, which had led to Souleymane Coulibaly's equaliser.

It also extended Athletic's unbeaten run to five matches.

“We deserved it,” said Sheridan. “This was a tough place to come to and Peterborough have got good players and play some good football. I was disappointed to go in 1-1 at half-time. We started the game so well and scored a great goal through Cameron Dummigan.

“I knew they would have possession as that's the way they play, but I was pleased with how it was going.”

Sheridan had some consoling words for Coleman, who pushed Marcus Maddison's 39th-minute cross into the crossbar, only for Coulibaly to net from close range.

“I have to make sure I don't see him beat himself up over it,” said Sheridan. “Hopefully he will learn and it will make him stronger. It is part and parcel of football, which is harsh sometimes.

“I am chuffed to bits for the supporters who travelled a long way to come here. They are having a good time at the moment as we are winning football matches.”

The main concern to emerge from last night's game concerns Aaron Amadi-Holloway, who hurt an ankle.

Sheridan will check on his condition in the coming days, but for now it is full steam ahead to Scunthorpe on Saturday.

“We just have to keep winning,” said Sheridan. “We are still in there, but it is a good feeling at the moment as we are winning games and playing well. Long may it continue.”