We deserved more – Johnson

LEE Johnson was left feeling regret - despite a point against Brentford on a positive day at Boundary Park.

The manager felt Athletic – noisily backed, at a ground which now finally has the visible beginnings of its new North Stand – were good value for victory over the Bees.

Johnson felt his side should have been awarded two penalties, the first for a push on Philliskirk as he went to head home a Gary Harkins cross and the second for an apparent trip on James Wesolowski by Toumani Diagouraga in the 88th minute.

“We deserved to win and had the better chances,” Johnson said. “We had two stone-wall penalties that I can’t believe the referee hasn’t given.

“Of course, they are a good side who are up there in the division on merit and are a good club. But we were excellent and I was proud of the players and the fans. It was just disappointing we couldn’t give them three points rather than one.”

Athletic’s point was the second taken from a clash with the division’s top three in five days and it keeps the club four points clear of the relegation zone.

“That’s four games unbeaten and it’s nice to be able to keep the same side as long as I have. It’s really the first time this season I have been able to do that,” Johnson added.

“We looked solid and like we could create chances. Someone has got to stick them away. I don’t care who it is, but we have got to put away our great chances.”