Crowd ‘the extra man’ - Jabo

ON THE CHARGE . . .Jabo Ibehre sets off on a run afer evading his Bradford City marker. PICTURE by ALAN HOWARTH.

JABO Ibehre paid tribute to Athletic’s fans after playing a starring role in the Bradford win - and warned opposing defences: his best is yet to come.

The loaned Colchester striker teed-up Jonathan Forte’s opening goal as Lee Johnson’s men picked up another three points to enter the play-off zone.

As well as going close to scoring a second goal, Ibehre’s link-play was a stand-out feature as the Bantams were squeezed out 2-1.

The result saw Athletic stretch their run to 13 matches without defeat — a boost ahead of this weekend’s trip to unbeaten Sky Bet League One leaders Bristol City.

That game at Ashton Gate is sure to attract visiting supporters - and Ibehre says the noise in the stands has a direct influence on the field.

“You could really hear the fans, which is great, especially down at the Chaddy End,” said Ibehre.

“They are awesome. They just keep on going all game and it gives you that extra boost. We’re really grateful for it.

“It was a tough game and sometimes you have to win in different ways,” he added.“We held in there and were very resilient. Winning like that is sometimes even better, as everyone put everything on the line.”

Despite not training much together, the partnership of Ibehre and leading scorer Forte is already bearing fruit.

The pair have started only two games together — against Coventry and Bradford — but have scored four goals on the way to six Athletic points in five days.

Former Leyton Orient and MK Dons man Ibehre believes he can still do more: “Hopefully with a few more games and a bit of extra sharpness I will start notching the goals,” he said.

“We put our best foot forward and keep going into Bristol City. There is great team spirit at the moment and belief. We take the games as they come.”

Manager Lee Johnson was also delighted with the noise at the game and hopes similar crowds to the 5,832 who enjoyed Saturday’s clash will watch home fixtures in future.

The manager said: “I really enjoyed the atmosphere. It was superb. I love it when this place is like that. It was bouncing.”