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Dave Barton writes

Posted Saturday, October 5th 2019 @DBartonBCFC

‘They left nothing on the pitch’ - Johnson

Saturday, October 5th 2019

City head into the international break with Lee Johnson proud of his players after a 20-point haul from the first 11 games of the season.

At the end of a busy week, the Robins secured hard-fought points with draws on the road at Preston North End and Brentford before Famara Diédhiou’s header and solid defending secured a win at home to Reading.

With 13 days to go before the sold-out trip to Luton Town, here’s what Johnson the head coach had to say:

End of a big week

“I’m absolutely delighted with the win though at times it was an agonising watch, particularly in the second half, but credit goes to the players. After three big games this week and coming away with five points, I’m very happy with them.

“I know it wasn’t vintage for the fans in terms of crosses raining in but with the third game in a week I knew how tough that would be with the exertion our boys put in.”

Fam-gry

“Fam was angry and hungry and that’s how we want him. The trump card was Eliasson coming in on his left with a great delivery and Famara is up there with the best in the league at getting across people in the box. Sometimes we don’t play to his strengths enough and today we did and he got his rewards.”

Famara Diedhiou was 'angry' and hungry for scoring against Reading

Young team

“It was a very, very young team today against a side that was richly assembled during the summer and they were always going to have spells and moments in the game. In the first half I thought we completely controlled the game but they were still a threat with the power and pace they have. In the second half they threw caution to the wind and we don’t use the ball quite as well as we could and should.

“The more we review and study and analyse the better these young players will get but what they have got is technique, agility and ability and that was the key today, particularly in my mind where we won the game. Then it was a case of dealing with their threats."

Taylor Moore was one of City's young guns who impressed against Reading

‘Leave nothing on the pitch’

“But we dug in and Bents was there when we needed him, Taylor Moore and Ash Williams were absolutely outstanding. I asked the players to leave nothing on the pitch and they did that.

“We obviously got Dan (Bentley) at a good time and I’ve enjoyed working with him so far. He is loving his football and we are loving having him here and our goal-keeping department is very strong.

Dan Bentley has impressed since joining in the summer

International break

City have Diédhiou (Senegal), Han-Noah Massengo (France Under-19s), Ádám Nagy (Hungary), Callum O’Dowda (Republic of Ireland), Ashley Williams (Wales) and Bailey Wright (Australia) joining up with their respective countries. Tomas Kalas will continue his recovery with City rather than join up with the Czech Republic.

“Obviously we have got the international break now which allows us to breathe – though half of them are going away (on international duty),” added Johnson.