Win has given us breathing space — Johnson

Gary Harkins: boss’s debut praise

LEE Johnson was a relieved man to have gained three points against Stevenage.

James Wesolowski’s header in the first half settled matters in a match with few other scoring chances.

In the end, Johnson’s charges held on to claim a first Sky Bet League One victory on home soil since October.

“It wasn’t a fantastic, free-flowing game, but it was really important,” said Johnson, whose side benefited from the 86th-minute dismissal of Stevenage’s Ben Chorley for an off-the-ball incident.

“We all knew that and it was a bit edgy. We showed some quality at times and we had three or four really good chances.

“I’m really pleased and it means Stevenage will have to find some real form to catch us now. It gives us that bit of breathing space. With two games in hand, everything is looking up again — whereas had we lost, we would have been looking a bit panicky.

“The players felt that, individually, they could have got their games going more. But I’ll certainly take the win.”

Wesolowski, wearing the protective mask to protect an injured cheekbone, was hailed by his manager for a typically all-action effort.

“It was a fantastic display from him and I thought he was excellent at Anfield as well,” Johnson added.

“He drives us on and he is a winner. You see the number of tackles he makes. He has got better technically as well.”

There was praise, too, for Gary Harkins, the on-loan St Mirren player who showed flashes of creativity on his full debut.

“You saw glimpses, but he has more in the locker than he showed,” said Johnson. “You saw a couple of reverse balls which were unlucky not to get someone in. We have to build his fitness.”