Cut it out!

JONSON Clarke-Harris has been told to cut out the theatrics by his manager.

The ban came after a direct display of powerful running at Bristol City gave another indication of the teenager’s potential.

The 19 year old, from Leicester, was the stand-out striker for Athletic for the second game running.

But boss Lee Johnson is far from satisfied with the former Peterborough and Coventry forward — who he intends to fine for throwing himself on the floor in the second half in a bid to win his team a penalty.

“He is a handful, isn’t he? I can see parts of his game I want to improve,” said Johnson, who declared himself pleased with the performance in gaining a point at the home of his former club which lifted Athletic to 16th in the division.

“He is trying to learn. His fitness looked better. There are parts of his game that are a real threat. Then there are others where he can make it a lot easier for himself.

“He dived a couple of times and I don’t like that. I have told him that before and he will be fined for it. But it is all part of his journey into being the best he can be.”

Clarke-Harris played a part in Athletic’s goal, drawing in two tacklers before James Dayton picked up the pieces to equalise in the second half.

He also created plenty, leaving many wondering quite how potent the team could be had they within their ranks a natural born goal scorer.

“We are where we are and with our boys we hope to punch above our weight,” said Johnson. “We have performed like this all season but haven’t quite got that ‘football arrogance’ yet. When that comes I think we will be a dominant force.”

Athletic’s next league fixture isn’t until November 16, when MK Dons visit Boundary Park.

Before that there is Saturday’s home FA Cup first round tie with Wolves.

“It is a good game for us. We know how important it is for the club,” Johnson said.

“Hopefully, we can take our form into the Wolves game and give a good show of ourselves.”

mattchambers@oldham-chronicle.co.uk