Johnson - Bristol City were 'second best'

Bristol City boss Gary Johnson admitted his side were second best to Birmingham in last night's big Championship match at Ashton Gate.

The Londoner offered a brutally honest assessment after watching his side surrender their unbeaten record, losing 2-1 to a side packed full of Premier League experience.

Johnson emerged from a 45-minute post-match inquest and conceded his players had not been good enough in either penalty area.

Trailing to a Louis Carey own goal and a Cameron Jerome strike, City fought back in the second half and Lee Trundle's wonder goal from 40 yards made a game of it.

But the Robins were unable to create another clear-cut opening and the Blues held out to remain level with Wolves at the top of the Championship table.

"We were not good enough with our final ball or our movement inside the penalty area," fumed Johnson.

"That goes for everyone, not just the strikers. We were second best in the areas where it really matters and that's why we've lost the game. I thought between the two penalty areas we played very well. But that's no use if you don't create chances.

"Lee Trundle has scored an amazing goal, but you shouldn't need to score from 45 yards in a home game.

"We need to create more and that means improving our delivery into the box. On numerous occasions, we had plenty of players in the box but didn't create a chance.

"Birmingham have scored two well-taken goals and we've had to score from long range. That was the difference between the two sides.

"It's because our play was so good outside of the penalty boxes, I was disappointed with how we played inside them.

"I've told the lads they will be working very hard between now and Saturday's home game against Doncaster.

"They will be working morning, noon and night on their movement in the 18 yard box."

City suffered a further setback when goalkeeper Adriano Basso picked up a calf injury and had to be substituted late in the first half. Johnson explained: "He had a calf problem and that meant he couldn't kick the ball as far as we wanted him to kick it. That's why we took him off and put Chris Weale on. He was able to kick it 20 yards further."