City manager says fitness beat Palace

11:00pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

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Bristol City manager Gary Johnson said he thought his side's fitness would tell in extra-time of last night's play-off semi-final with Crystal Palace.

"While it was still level I knew we had every chance," said Johnson.

"I knew in extra-time our fitness and training would come out."

The City manager said he thought his side would go through despite the early mistake that allowed Ben Watson to head Palace in front.

"There was a mistake from us, a lack of communication between Brazil and a Yorkshireman, but that made us concentrate a bit more."

Johnson said he has discussed tactics with keeper Adriano Basso in the event of Palace getting another penalty, in the light of Watson's successful spot-kick at Selhurst Park on Sunday.

"We asked Basso to go as bit earlier and at an angle - and it didn't go in."