The results will come, says defender Dunne

Charles Dunne.

AS a defender, it's probably unsurprising to hear Athletic's Charles Dunne speaking encouragingly about the amount of clean sheets he has helped secure so far this term.

Athletic have produced five shut-outs from just eight Sky Bet League One fixtures so far, and 23-year-old Dunne has certainly played a major role in helping to secure the most clean sheets by any club so far in the top four divisions.

FOCUS

However, it appears it's wins that are continuing to focus the mind for Dunne and his team-mates as they still only boast one - at Bury - so far.

The 'goals for' column - which currently stands at just four - could also do with a bit of a boost.

Reflecting on Saturday's hard-earned goalless draw at Coventry, a game which Stephen Robinson's visitors definitely did deserve to win, Dunne said: "As a defender, another clean sheet was definitely a positive, but we did create a number of chances and things just don't seem to be falling our way in front of goal at the moment.

"We just need to keep plugging away and it will all change. Everybody in the changing room is confident of that.

"Results will come.

"We are happy generally, but the results are what we need.

"We were excellent during the second half at Coventry, and afterwards the gaffer complimented us, saying that had been the best we'd played since he joined the club.

"That's the main positive, but now it's up to us to keep going forward and keep working hard on the training field."

Progress is being made by Athletic, with Robinson admitting this week that he feels his team's recent performances are deserving of better than a current 19th position in the third tier.

Dunne, who signed a short-term Athletic deal in the summer after being released by Blackpool, added: "Most games we are improving, but people also need to remember that the vast majority of us are new to this club.

"We're still trying to get to grips with knowing and learning each other's strengths and weaknesses, and that can be testing for a player.

"The more games we play, and the more decent results we get, that will help us gel and that's really important.

HAPPEN

"Things will happen for us, we firmly believe that."

As for his own match form right now, Dunne is satisfied, while also seemingly determined to keep his head down and putting in the graft.

He said: "I think I've done okay so far this season, but whatever I play like, I will try and keep level-headed and stay humble.

"It's good at Oldham and I'm enjoying it here.

"I am on a short-term contract, though, so I've just got to keep working hard and see where that takes me nearer to Christmas.

"That's what I'm used to doing - working hard - so hopefully only good things will happen as the season goes on."