Johnson’s Latics toil for little reward
OLDHAM had to settle for a draw in gale-force conditions at Boundary Park but the result wasn’t for lack of trying, according to manager Lee Johnson.
Danny Philliskirk got the hosts off to a flyer, firing them ahead after just five minutes, but Aiden Flint soon drew Bristol City level.
Torrential rain set in and neither side produced a vintage display, but for Oldham it was a missed opportunity to put some distance between them and the drop zone.
Johnson admitted there were aspects of the tie from which he can take some comfort, even if only one of them was a point – as opposed to three.
“Obviously we tried, we huffed and puffed,” he said.
“It was a great strike from Danny Philliskirk and then we didn't really affect their goalmouth enough.
“We couldn't really get going but I have to be fair to the lads – it was a tough set of circumstances.
“I thought it was a tough game in tough conditions. It was very cold and windy.
“It’s not a bad point. It wasn't a great performance but they’re not a bad side. I would just like a little bit more in terms of bit of movement and a bit of quality.
“We never really looked as threatening as we have done. But it was a fair point and it keeps us away from that bottom group.”
The match got off to a flying start as Philliskirk floated an effort over the helpless Simon Moore to give the Latics an early advantage.
City responded well and five minutes later Tyrone Barnett’s header was well saved by Mark Oxley, but Flint stabbed home from six yards out.
Neither created any clear-cut chances, each in search of a winner, but Bristol City boss Steve Cotterill believes his side were closer to nicking it.
“We had a couple of great moves and, had we managed to finish them off, we would have been talking about some excellent goals,” he said.
“It was another one of those days when the conditions were poor and it was difficult for the players.
“That makes it difficult to play football and I think they had as many half chances as we had, I’m not entirely surprised by that.
“Both sides tried to play and I was happy with some of our football in the second half.
“When you lose like we did the other day, it is really important not to lose the next game.We’ve done that and I suppose that moves us up a notch.
“This would have been the first time that back four had played together and I thought they did better.
“Derrick Williams played very well after being moved to left-back and Brendan Moloney had a decent game.”