Johnson remains upbeat

FOOD FOR THOUGHT . . . Athletic boss Lee Johnson during last night’s game

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LEE Johnson says his players are maintaining the belief they can avoid relegation - despite suffering anotherdefeat at Preston last night.

After bossing the first hour at Deepdale without scoring, a penalty for a handball by Jonathan Grounds brought with it another defeat and a tongue-lashing from his manager.

That goal, and Will Hayhurst’s second in added time, secured the result to give North End safety and cast fresh doubt on Athletic’s survival

Johnson admitted the derby at Bury on Saturday is now of monumental importance, especially since he will be without suspended top scorer Jose Baxter.

“I am devastated,” said Johnson, following a defeat which leaves struggling Athletic with one win in the last eight games.

“The boys played perfectly to the game plan and worked their socks off. But this happens in football: sometimes you get a punch in the gut.

“We have five games left to better Scunthorpe’s results. The players know that. I believe we can get wins. And it is important we stay together and get a positive result on Saturday.

Johnson says his concern over a lack of fitness in the squad can’t be rectified before the end of the season, which sees five games in 18 days.

But he wants better play than the sort of defending that cost the opening goal. Grounds threw up his arms in the penalty area and was hit by a cross from Jeffrey Monakana.

“It was bad defending,” Johnson said. “He should work his feet quicker and get out there quicker.

“He has turned his back and he has thrown his arm up in the air. What do you expect?”