Tarky booking ‘a bit harsh’

THE one blight on an increasingly verdant landscape for Lee Johnson came in the shape of a ban for James Tarkowski.

A yellow card in the first half means the centre-back can’t turn out tomorrow as Athletic try to extend their good run at Notts County.

But after a stirring win against a Swindon side with the play-off positions in sight, Meadow Lane will hold no fears for Latics.

“I thought it was a bit of a harsh booking,” said Johnson. “Tarky has been immense and we didn’t want to lose him for Notts County.

“He has come into his own as a leader now. But one man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity and someone has to come in as we go to Notts County, our game in hand, looking for three points.”

Joseph Mills is struggling to make it for tomorrow’s game with a hamstring problem, in which case the vacancy in the middle of defence left by Tarkowski would be filled by either Jonathan Grounds or David Mellor.

As for this game, won thanks to Danny Philliskirk’s smart finish after Carl Winchester’s thunderbolt had been cancelled out by a Tarkowski own goal, Johnson was left delighted to have seen off such stiff opposition.

“We give value for money. It was a great win against a very good side, with very good players. We had seen a lot of them. We knew we had to restrict their space and the lads did it perfectly.”