Go for it!

Photo: Alan Howarth

IT’S THERE: Amari Morgan-Smith (number 27) fires home Athletic’s equaliser against Swindon Town last night.

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ATHLETIC boss Lee Johnson encouraged his players to try their luck from long range before James Dayton found the net with a brilliant strike at Swindon.

Dayton proved his worth by smashing home an exceptional 35-yard shot to give Athletic the lead last night. And Amari Morgan-Smith’s first goal for the club extended the current unbeaten run to five matches.

Though unhappy with aspects of both the conceded goals, Johnson was purring at the qualities his men showed after the interval in the 2-2 draw against a Town side fancied for promotion.

“I’ll take the assist on that one,” Johnson said of Dayton’s bolt from the blue. “I was saying let’s not keep just chucking into the box, let’s have a bit of bright play. It was a fantastic goal, a world-class strike and the sort of individual brilliance we needed.

“First half we were poor and Swindon did to us what we normally do to other teams. But I have to give the lads credit, this is a tough place to come to, and our fans were absolutely phenomenal.”

The band of 228 Athletic supporters left the ground smiling thanks to Morgan-Smith’s close-range finish following a spot of penalty-area pinball.

“I'm pleased as it has topped off a bad week for him and I have been right on him. So he will have enjoyed it,” said the manager.

::Johnson is hopeful Jonathan Forte will be back to fitness for the Notts County game this weekend.