Lee points finger at ref

FRUSTRATED Athletic boss Lee Johnson admitted his weekend had been ruined with defeat by his former club, Bristol City.

Kieran Agard's goal after 57 minutes was ultimately the difference between two evenly-matched outfits.

Athletic had chances of their own. Genseric Kusunga headed over from a corner when well placed, Jonathan Forte hit a shot that was deflected narrowly wide and substitute Dominic Poleon's fierce effort was beaten out by goalkeeper Frank Fielding.

But despite recovering from a sloppy start to control much of the game against the undefeated league leaders, Athletic succumbed to their first loss since Preston on August 23.

“It was a good game in as far as we took it to them,” said Johnson.

“In the first half on the break, areas we thought we could exploit, we did. We just didn't have the final ball or finish.

“In the second half, I can't ask for any more from the lads to go for it as they did and commit men forward and put balls into the box. We didn't have great chances from it, but our general play was good and we put a very good side on the back foot.”

The manager was particularly upset with the work of referee Phil Gibbs, who awarded the

crucial free-kick despite their appearing to be minimal contact between his skipper Liam Kelly and Luke Freeman.

“We gave a good account of ourselves and I am very disappointed as I felt we could come here and win the game. However, it wasn't to be.”