Patience paid off, says boss

LEE Johnson hailed the character of his side as Athletic stretched their unbeaten run to seven matches.

The side came from behind to see off Scunthorpe after goals from Andrew Boyce and Rory Fallon either side of Jonathan Forte's sixth of the season gave the struggling visitors a half-time lead.

But the introduction of substitute Danny Philliskirk ultimately proved telling, as the forward struck with two instinctive efforts that pushed Athletic to 10th spot in the league, only two points off the play-off positions.

“We showed good character in the end after being dominant throughout,” said Johnson.

“They set up to stifle right from the start, which was a bit disappointing. “Our boys stayed patient and we scored two really good goals in the second half. I am delighted for Danny.

“I was really disappointed with the two goals we conceded. We were a little bit down on height, so I can understand how their lad got above Brian Wilson.

“But with the second goal we were a bit lazy getting out and should have been higher up the pitch.

“Jonathan Forte's goal was a bit lucky in that their lad made a mistake, but he was there to capitalise.

“We did deserve that, up to that point. We bossed the game and were comfortable. If we had gone one or two up early, it could have been five or six.”