HEED’S HOT-SHOTS
Gateshead cheif Neil Aspin on how in-form strikers Sam Jones and Danny Johnson are getting better
NEIL ASPIN thinks his Gateshead strikeforce of Danny Johnson and Sam Jones are making quite the pair.
The Heed duo are bang in form with Johnson’s goal against Macclesfield on Tuesday night making it seven in six consecutive games, while Jones had seven in eight ahead of the weekend.
It’s a new position for Jones, who played in midfield for Alfreton last season before signing in the summer.
Boss Aspin has tried the 24-yearold in different positions on the pitch, but feels he’ll be known as a striker going forward.
“I always wanted him in an attacking role because I felt he could chip in with goals,” Aspin told The NLP.
“When I watched him for Alfreton he either played midfield or behind the striker. I knew he was capable of scoring goals. I didn’t know if he could lead the line as a striker and that’s new to him. It’s very much in the early stages. He’s adapting to fulltime training as well.
“It’s a learning curve for Sam but what he’s got is he’s willing to learn, he’s excellent with both feet and he’s got a really good touch. He’s talented. He’s going to get better and I’m excited to work with him.”
Build-up
Millwall’s Lee Gregory, Brentford striker Scott Hogan and, of course, Premier League winner Jamie Vardy have all played for Aspin – and his knack for getting the best out of forwards is also paying off with Johnson.
“Danny was already at the club when I arrived,” Aspin said. “At the time he was very selfish in his approach and he didn’t contribute in the general build-up, which is some- thing we had to change with him.
“I feel he’s a better player now because he’s more of a team player but he still scores goals. We drummed it into him that for the team to function, and for him to get chances, he has to do his side of the hold-up and link play.
“Both Danny and Sam benefit from playing alongside each other. It’s only in its early stages. We’re hopeful they can get better as a pair.”
Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Macclesfield made it nine league games unbeaten for the Heed. But with five stalemates in that run, Aspin – who has added to his forward options with the arrival of Jordan Burrow from former club FC Halifax – is looking for his side to hit the heights like their 5-0 win at Dagenham & Redbridge more often.
“At times we’re very good and look as good anyone else,” he said. “But we haven’t been consistent in doing that. We need to be more consistent.”