Athletic's hope of going to Wembley for the first time since 1994 rest on the outcome of the second semi-final match of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at home to Chesterfield on Monday. If the aggregate scores are level after the two legs and extra time the tie will be settled by a penalty shootout and the responsibility will be passed on to Latics keeper Alex Cisak.
Cisak said, “We've seen this week how important penalties can be with Cardiff defeating Crystal Palace to win through to the final of the Carling Cup. Paul Gerrard watches videos and I will speak to him before the game. It is important to know what your opponents are going to do, especially with penalty kicks. Hopefully it won't go to penalties, however, and we will win in normal time. You tend to know what the player has done in previous games. You also look at his run up because he can change so you have your own instincts and hopefully choose the right way.”
“It is only a one-goal difference and I am sure we can drag that back as we are good at home. I always watched the FA Cup finals and thought I would love to be there one day, never thinking it might happen. I aim to keep developing and hopefully I am on the right track to move up the Football League and play in the Premier League one day.”