MX23RW : Saturday, May 4 14:32:05| >> :600:299131:299131:
Apr 30, 2019 at 7.45pm UK at ​The Den (London)
Attendance: 12,261
Millwall
1-2
Bristol City
Gregory (41')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Paterson (76'), Diedhiou (81')

Lee Johnson hails "unbelievable character" as Robins keep playoff hopes alive

Lee Johnson hails
© Reuters
The Robins still have a chance of claiming a play-off spot.

Lee Johnson hailed the character of his Bristol City players as they kept alive their hopes of snatching a play-off place with a 2-1 come-from-behind victory at Millwall.

The hosts went in front five minutes before the break through Lee Gregory's acrobatic volley from Steve Morison's knock-down, but roared back into the contest after Max O'Leary saved Shaun Williams' penalty midway through the second half.

Jamie Paterson's pinpoint free-kick and Famara Diedhiou's low drive sparked wild scenes in the away end.

Should Derby fail to beat Swansea on Wednesday, the Robins will have the chance to leapfrog both the Rams and Middlesbrough on the final day at Hull, and Johnson was delighted with his side's late response.

"We did our job tonight," the Bristol City boss said. "It's unbelievable character from my players. That was Roy of the Rovers-type stuff, to save that penalty and then be as good as we were in the last 25 minutes.

"We've progressed as a group, without doubt. There's been so much good work, on and off the pitch.

"I want to get promoted, make no mistake. Nobody hides that at the football club, but it's a tough league and you've got to earn it.

"You only have to look at Millwall, who got 72 points last season and missed the play-offs and only just avoided relegation this season, that can happen year-on-year in the Championship.

"It's a relentless, tough, but fantastic league. If we can take it to the last day then it becomes a lottery. All we can do is try our best and go again."

When asked about Derby's game on Wednesday, Johnson added: "I was thinking about going on general anaesthetic. Give me a shout when it's over!"

Millwall boss Neil Harris, meanwhile, felt his team were unlucky not to draw the contest.

"We grew into the game and I thought the first half-an-hour of the second half was very good. I was delighted with the goal – that was Morison and Gregory vintage.

"It was disappointing not to get a point, which would have been fitting in our final match at The Den this season."

Harris paid tribute to goalscorer Gregory, who looks set to leave the club this summer after contract talks stalled.

"He's been an unbelievable player for me. It was a big performance tonight," Harris said. "He scored a good goal and could have had a couple more.

"I'd love to keep him, it looks unlikely now, but the attitude to want to play and train, to put himself forward, to work, demonstrates the type of character that we need."

However, Harris was clearly angered by a lack of commitment from some members of his squad this term and highlighted in no uncertain terms that those players would be shipped out in the summer.

"I will only have players who want to be at this club in my changing room, players who put their professionalism and love for the game before anything else," Harris added.

"The level of performances from some individuals this year has been nowhere near good enough. I won't accept these standards next year."


Click here for more stories about Lee Johnson

Click here for more stories about Bristol City

Share this article now:
Millwall boss Neil Harris pictured on February 20, 2019
Read Next:
Neil Harris delighted with Millwall after securing survival
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City36302490226892
2Liverpool36287184206491
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs372311365372870
4Chelsea36208860392168
5Arsenal362061069492066
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd36198964511365
7Wolverhampton WanderersWolves371510124644255
8Everton37158145244853
9Leicester CityLeicester36156155147451
10Watford36148145152-150
11West Ham UnitedWest Ham37147164654-849
12Bournemouth37136185365-1245
13Crystal Palace36127174348-543
14Newcastle UnitedNewcastle36119163645-942
15Burnley37117194465-2140
16Southampton37911174462-1838
17Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton3698193355-2235
18Cardiff CityCardiff3694233066-3631
RFulham3776243476-4227
RHuddersfield TownHuddersfield3635282074-5414

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account