By Ross Jeavons

Hatters hot-shot Liam Dickinson has played down the concerns of his manager Jim Gannon, after he was involved in a thoroughly physical battle with Wycombe's centre backs at Adams Park on Sunday.

Gannon, who had already caused controversy in the build up to the game by suggesting the Blues had been "scared " of his side earlier in the season, told local press that he was worried about the lack of protection of his team from officials during the playoff semi final.

Article continues
Advertisement

"If you want good, young players to develop and you want to see good football at this level then the referees must be stronger, if they don't then you will see more players in hospital," he said.

"We were fortunate because there were one or two challenges on our players which could have resulted in a serious injury."

However despite the comments of his boss, 19-goal-striker Dickinson has announced that he had no real complaints about the game.

"I don't think I was targeted, they were just trying to do their job. I got a few knocks but that's football," he said.

"Even though we beat them 6-0 before it's got nothing to do with the next match - we'll do our best to win. We didn't come out to draw and we hoped we'd get an advantage but we're fortunate that Stephen rattled in a strike like that."
 
Paul Lambert has also had plenty to say about Sunday's heated encounter, to read his thoughts click here.
 
Don't forget that tickets are now on general sale for the second leg at Edgeley Park on Saturday, kick off is at 6pm.

To book your place at the biggest game of the season so far, just call the ticket hotline on 01494 441118 or visit the Commercial Office.