BURY skipper David Pugh has leapt to the defence of under-fire striker David Johnson.

The young forward's goal-scoring celebrations landed him in hot water at Peterborough last Saturday (October 12) when he was sent off for allegedly inciting the crowd.

However, the experienced Pugh reckons that the incident has been blown out of all proportion.

"David is a young lad who is excitable and what he did was not done out of anything but pleasure at scoring a goal," declared the Shakers' captain.

"He is a bubbly character both in the dressing room and on the pitch and if that joy was to be knocked out of him it could be to the detriment of his play."

"After the referee had sent him off he told me that he'd warned David four times to stop his celebration. I told the official that Johnno was just a young lad delighted at scoring a great goal. Anyone who knows David, knows there is not an ounce of nastiness in him."

Johnson faces a one-match ban after being dismissed but has the full support of boss Stan Ternent.

"He is paid to score goals so when he does so he is naturally delighted and wants to celebrate, you shouldn't get sent off for that," declared the Bury boss. "I don't know what the game is coming to. He didn't run off the pitch or do or say anything obscene. We'll back him all the way."

Johnson will be hoping to produce more celebrations tomorrow when Watford become the latest Second Division side to snap the Shakers eight game unbeaten run at Gigg Lane.

And boss Stan Ternent is also supporting his young forward.

"The lad's job is to score goals and that is what he works hard at doing all week and on a Saturday afternoon. He's bound to be happy if he fires in the winner six minutes from time."

The club are currently exploring avenues of appeal.

"We have a strict code of discipline here and if any of the lads step out of line then they are in trouble but David will not be punished," confirmed the manager.

"We all feel aggrieved by the dismissal. There is a great spirit here and if one player gets 'kicked' then the rest feel the pain." Ternent will be hoping Watford feel the metaphoric backlash tomorrow.

Team doubts again surround Ronnie Jepson who came on as a substitute at Millwall on Wednesday night but then limped off.

Striker Phil Stant has said no to a loan move to Torquay United , one of several clubs chasing his services. Rochdale also made an enquiry but have since signed Robbie Painter on loan. Bury would be reluctant to let Stant, who they'd ideally like to stay, move to a neighbour.

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