LUKE WHO'S WHITES HERO

Ayling steps up as Johnson sees City suffer stage fright

- Chris Dunlavy

BRISTOL City boss Lee Johnson accused his players of lacking guts and going into hiding as the Robins squandered the chance to go level on points with second-placed Leeds.

The hosts had won just two of their last 11 games and looked ripe for the taking by one of the Championship’s most in-form sides.

But, struck by stage fright and an untimely bout of sickness, City barely laid a glove on their opponents, who should have won by far more than the one goal provided by Luke Ayling.

“In the first 15-20 minutes, we didn’t show enough bravery to go and influence the game,” said Johnson. “That was what really disappointed me.

“I think a couple hid, to be honest, especially in possession. Some of them weren’t well enough to be there at all. At halftime, I wasn’t best pleased, and that’s not to discredit Leeds because they were very good.

“But I didn’t think they looked like a Bristol City side. The message at half-time was quite strong. I can’t use the exact phrase, but I told them to show some guts. They did that, but the damage was done.”