Boss unhappy at referee

LEE Johnson was left content with a point from an enthralling battle at Bramall Lane, gained thanks to a well-taken goal by Blades fan and ex-player Jonathan Forte.

After a three-game goal drought, Forte made it 12 in 17 appearances for Athletic when controlling a superb Daniel Johnson pass and sliding home in the first half.

Jamal Campbell-Ryce's equaliser in the 63rd minute – less than 90 seconds after he had come on as a substitute – ensured the points were shared.

Though Jabo Ibehre was sent off for a second yellow card in the 87th minute by referee Andy Davies, Athletic went closest to netting a winner in the closing stages when Forte flashed a header narrowly wide.

“We have to see it as a point gained,” said Athletic boss Johnson. “We took the lead and it is always disappointing to lose a lead. But we were excellent, especially given the circumstances.

“Brian Wilson was ill. Genseric Kusunga, who has had eight flights in the space of 10 days to go to

different games and get back, has played two full 90 minutes recently. For him to come back in and put in a performance like that typified the good character of the players on the day.

“Jonathan Forte's goal was a real striker's goal.

“We played well. The criticism I would give our side is that there was a spell 15 minutes into the

second half where as we broke we should have kept the ball better given the quality we have.

“But it was a good game and a good atmosphere and the way results have gone, it has worked out to be a decent point.

“It was two good sets of players out there. You always felt one little bit of magic, from one of ours or one of theirs, could have won the game either way.