After a frustrating pre-season, Town’s new signing, Damien Johnson, finally took his place in midfield against Torquay United, on a historic day for the club:
By David MitchellAfter a frustrating pre-season, Town’s new signing, Damien Johnson, finally took his place in midfield against Torquay United, on a historic day for the club:
‘It was nice to get the shirt on at last. I’ve had a disappointing few weeks with injury. I was touch and go for the Forest game but we decided last weekend to get some more training in and aim for Torquay. Thankfully, all worked out and it was good to get ninety minutes under my belt. First games are always tough after you’ve missed pre-season but overall I was pleased with my performance.’
The Northern Ireland international’s last game was for Huddersfield Town in the highly-charged League One play-off final against Sheffield United at the end of May, a game dramatically won by Town 8-7 on penalties. Johnson admitted that his Fleetwood team-mates were left disappointed after doing everything but score a goal against the Gulls. He nearly opened the scoring himself, firing narrowly over the bar in the first half:
‘It was a bit frustrating that we didn’t get the win but I’m sure the goals will come. We’re going to have to get used to teams coming to Highbury happy to take a point. This makes it all the more important that we score early. They then have to change their game plan and come to us. In turn, we get more chances. I thought we moved the ball around well and created chances which is encouraging. On another day we would have scored two or three. However, we are off the mark with a point.’
It’s back to Yorkshire tomorrow for the former Huddersfield favourite, Bradford being just 15 miles from the Galpharm Stadium:
‘I’ve only played at Valley Parade once or twice. It will be a tough game as Bradford are a big club. I just need to rest up now and make sure that I’m ready for Tuesday.’
