Two points lost, bemoans Johnson

ATHLETIC manager Lee Johnson felt his men lacked prowess in the penalty area as Gillingham escaped with a point.

Despite controlling the game, the home side failed to beat locally-born Gills ’keeper Stephen Bywater.

Johnson fielded two sets of strikers in a bid to break the resistance. Danny Philliskirk and Dominic Poleon were replaced by Rhys Turner and debut loan signing Conor Wilkinson after 64 minutes.

But the chance of taking three points disappeared in added time, when substitute Amari Morgan-Smith fired over the top from Carl Winchester's cross.

“It was two points lost, definitely,” said Johnson, whose side kept their fourth straight clean sheet. “We were outstanding — outside the opposition box.

“We controlled the game and had 77-per-cent of possession. It was just that final ball and finish that was missing.

“We had some good chances and I am really frustrated, as I am sure many people are. But there was a lot of good stuff.

“It was a total shut-out and our back four and midfield were fantastic.

“I just thought my front four and the subs weren’t dangerous enough on the day.

“But all in all, I was pleased with the general play. We look a good side.”