Palmer: we must step it up for derby

SHOOT ON SIGHT . . . Matt Palmer, Athletic’s goal hero against Blackpool, lets fly in the midweek clash at SportsDirect.com Park.

GOAL hero Matt Palmer felt Athletic went some way to making up for a no-show at Bramall Lane by seeing off Blackpool.

But the popular on-loan Burton man knows further improvement will be needed for the Rochdale clash this weekend.

Level at the break and with Blackpool arguably slightly the better of the sides, Athletic responded with a powerful second-half effort. Palmer’s strike came from a lovely passage of play eight minutes after half-time, making it seven points from a possible nine available over the past three home games.

“We didn’t perform against Sheffield United,” Palmer said. “We knew that and we needed to put it right.

“We did that and especially on our second-half performance against Blackpool, we more than deserved the three points in the end. Hopefully, we can build on that and get a good result against Rochdale.

“Home games are going to be very important. The fans made the atmosphere really good against Blackpool and I am sure they will do the same against Rochdale.”

“Minus the Sheffield United game, we have been unbeaten in nine. The confidence is there and we just have to keep working hard on the training ground.”

Liam Kelly was restored to the line-up after being rested at Bramall Lane due to concerns over a possible suspension. Palmer was glad to have his important midfield partner back and says that the pair are working well together.

“We help each other out. When he goes forward, I can sit in there and he can do the same for me,” Palmer added. “He is very experienced and it helps me. We’ve formed a very good partnership.”