Frustration for Sheridan

Photo: Alan Howarth

Athletic’s Jake Cassidy turns Port Vale defender Ryan McGivern in last night’s Sky Bet League One clash.

RECUPERATION - and how to play on a problem pitch - are in John Sheridan’s mind as he aims to round off the week seeing off Swindon.

Athletic weren’t at their best on a tough, sandy home surface against Port Vale, but claimed a point with Liam Kelly’s rebound from his own penalty’s rebound from the post.

That was after Sam Foley had fired the visitors in front following a Joel Coleman mistake. That goal was also followed by a glaring miss soon after from Vale top scorer Ajay Leitch-Smith.

On a night when rivals Colchester, Fleetwood, and Shrewsbury all won, Aaron Amadi-Holloway nearly sneaked three points for Sheridan’s side towards the end of a tight, rain-soaked contest.

“It was a difficult game on a difficult pitch,” said Sheridan, whose side stay 22nd in the table, now three points from safety.

“I am just pleased we eventually came out with something from it. We huffed and puffed and the work ethic was good again. But I said to the lads that it is so frustrating to watch, how people ignore the simplest things to make them look like really good players.

“The manner of goals we are giving away, they are down to simple mistakes and it is a case of making the right decision at the right time.

“I don't want to make a big thing of it and Joel Coleman is a young kid who probably has one or two people questioning him. Unfortunately when you are a goalkeeper, when you make mistakes you get punished.

“It was an even game, but I didn't enjoy it. Sometimes, games will be like that and you need to win ugly.”

Athletic’s main focus now is on beating Swindon at home on Saturday and before that, assessing another knock to key man Amadi-Holloway’s ankle.

“Aaron’s ankle has been sore and he only passed himself fit on Monday,” added Sheridan.

“Matt Palmer has a knock as well. I could have taken him off, but we were chasing the game.

“It is a big game now on Saturday and I will be happy with four points from two games.

“Now, it's important we go out there and win.”