Johnson fires Preston salvo

KEY PLAYER . . . Danny Philliskirk displays the skills against Port Vale which impressed his manager, Lee Johnson.

ATHLETIC head to Preston with “no doubt” they can come away with a win.

Manager Lee Johnson liked what he saw from his emerging side in the midweek home draw with Port Vale, even though the final push to convert heavy second-half pressure into three points was missing.

Johnson saw signs that key men are stepping into form at the right time.

And having beaten last season’s play-off semi-finalists Preston at Deepdale last year — albeit in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy — he is aiming for a repeat.

“Mike Jones and Liam Kelly did well, Jonson Clarke-Harris caused them problems and Danny Philliskirk did what we are after from him,” said Johnson of the Vale game.

“The two centre-halves (James Wilson and George Elokobi) looked much more solid and secure and Paul Rachubka looked a lot more confident as well.

“There’s no doubt we can get something there. We have proved that before in the past.”

The manager hinted once again at further signings. A winger and a forward are likely to top the shopping list and loan signings are a possibility, with groundwork already underway.



ATHLETIC’S first-round tie against Bradford City in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy has been confirmed for Tuesday, September 2 (7.30pm kick-off) at SportsDirect.com Park.

Admission prices are set at £10 adults and £5 concessions. Pay at the turnstiles.