Chance of redemption

Lee Johnson: the team needs to get back on its winning horse after defeat by Bristol

ATHLETIC fans who trekked to the West Country for the Bristol City game were full of praise for their team.

Loud and proud from start to finish, the 490 who managed to get tickets saluted the players’ efforts despite a 1-0 defeat. Lee Johnson was almost as effusive in the post-match press conference. Inside the dressing room, though, it was a different story.

Athletic hadn’t hit the heights. A slow start, with Bristol City pressing the team back and going close to scoring several times, was exactly what Johnson had planned against – and he told his players so in no uncertain terms.

“You have to bring your A-game early, and we just fell short,” he reflected.

Athletic weren’t as tack-sharp as they should have been and though many half-chances presented themselves, the final touches were missing.

Any illusions that tomorrow’s FA Cup clash against Leyton Orient presents an easier challenge will have been shattered by Johnson this week.

Backed to the hilt by new owner Francesco Becchetti, the Os will be confident of repeating the 3-1 win at Oldham earlier this season.

Johnson, on the other hand, is raring to go to banish memories of the worst 45 minutes of 2014-15 to date.

“Once we had the full stop meeting, that was it,” said the manager of the Bristol City disappointment.

“Everyone has been bright since and we now go into an exciting game at home to Leyton Orient.

“They are another side who have really gone for it this year and though they aren’t doing so well in the league, they have some very good players.

“We played really well in the first half against them last time, but the second half was probably the worst we have been all season.”

Former £7million Liverpool left-back Andrea Dossena has signed for Orient on a free transfer and will be in the squad for tomorrow’s clash.