We looked leggy, admits Johnson

WORRIED MAN: Athletic boss Lee Johnson shows his anxiety as he watches Athletic stumble to another home defeat.

MANAGER LEE Johnson pulled no punches in his assessment of Athletic’s latest defeat.

Two Carlisle goals and an abject display in the first half settled this contest, with Jose Baxter’s penalty proving only a consolation as Athletic extended a poor recent run to only one win in seven matches.

It was, though, Johnson’s first loss in charge – and he didn’t enjoy the experience.

“The first half was very, very poor and I apologise. They were leggy while in training they had been razor sharp.

“That is about mental toughness. It is about winners - who can play even when leggy.

“I don’t think it could have got any worse after the first half.”

Johnson made three substitutions at the interval.

“We came out and gave it a go in the second half and the changes influenced the game. They gave us momentum and energy.

“But we have to park it and move on, as there are games coming thick and fast.

“At least we got some pride back in the second half.”