LJ’s woe as Latics spurn big chance

DANNY Philliskirk suffered a nasty blow in a foul by ex-Athletic defender Jean-Yves Mvoto early in last night’s game. The club is hoping he will be okay for Saturday.

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

ATHLETIC'S failure to stake their claim in the play-offs left manager Lee Johnson frustrated.

Barnsley ran out narrow winners in a tedious clash at Oakwell, with Kane Hemmings netting the 12th-minute winner with one of only two shots on target in the whole game.

“It was a little bit of a dull game and I’m disappointed,” admitted Johnson. “We had a good week and it seems we just can't go that extra mile when we need to get a result. It was a disappointing day. It was a mediocre game and performance from both teams.”

Johnson, nominated for League One manager of the month for January, was pleased with the effort put in by his skipper, Liam Kelly.

But apart from a low Carl Winchester drive and two chances for Jonathan Forte, including one in added time, there was too little going forward against a packed defence.

“Kelly was outstanding in his desire; some of the other players need to have a look at that and see how he leads by example,” Johnson added.

“We move on. These games are tight in League One and you can't get too down.”

Scunthorpe are Athletic's opponents at Glanford Park on Saturday, and Johnson anticipates a tough game.

“They are a decent side who have spent some money and have some decent players. We’ll have to bring our A-game, that's for sure.”