Fan-tastic victory, says manager

LEE Johnson revelled in the positive atmosphere at Boundary Park as his men picked up three vital points.

Danny Philliskirk’s first-half strike settled a contest which became fraught later on.

Athletic poured forward in the opening period and could easily have added to the solitary goal.

In sitting deeper after the interval, Johnson felt his men soaked up the pressure effectively – though he was thankful for a sharp save by Paul Rachubka from Crawley’s Billy Clarke hit a goalbound volley.

“It was a great three points,” said Johnson, celebrating only a second win in nine games. “We were excellent in the first half.

“I am so pleased about the win - for the club actually. The fans were superb and never stopped.

“For everyone, we needed that win. We were comfortable even though it felt panicky a bit because of the pressure we were under.

“I saw Crawley outplay Wolves and they were excellent. I knew they would be a very strong side.

“I am delighted the lads put the shift in to win the game.”

“The fans were superb,” he added. “There was the constant music and songs, everyone got involved and I am really pleased for them as well because they needed that.”