Western Morning News (Saturday)
Johnson wants victory to kick-start campaign
WITH that all-important first win under their belt, Torquay United will host Grimsby Town this afternoon knowing that it will be another tough National League game for the club.
With expectations tempered by two defeats in the first four games, Torquay fans at last saw ‘Gary Johnson’s game’ in their 4-3 win at Maidenhead United last Saturday - that quick passing and fluid game that he loves his sides to play - but there were hearts-in-mouths for the last quarter after the home side fought back to 4-3 after the Gulls had led 4-0 at half-time.
However, a win is a win and it will have done the squad the world of good ahead of the game against Grimsby, who were relegated from League Two last season.
“We have had a good look at them and they are a good football team,” said Johnson. “Paul Hurst normally gets himself a group of lads that can play and can compete.
“From what I hear I don’t think he quite knows his best team so he is still learning about that particular team that he has brought in.
“It is always difficult when you have got relegated to know who to keep, who to move out, who to move in - but they have been a League side now for a little while and we have got to treat them with respect. And I am sure they will treat us with respect as well.”
Grimsby came down with Southend United, who were bottom of League Two, but the two teams have made markedly different starts to their seasons at the new level.
However, Johnson believes the Maidenhead win could be a catalyst for change. He said: “I am hoping we will become stronger because of that game and because of our spirit.”
Right-sided midfielder Chiori Johnson will come back into the reckoning following his one-match suspension for two yellow cards in the 4-0 home defeat by Woking, and there are no obvious injury concerns, apart from Jake Andrews’ absence for all of the season so far.
Johnson is unlikely to make any changes, though - with Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Armani Little both having their best games of the season on the right and left wings.
At Grimsby, Hurst does have a few injury concerns, and this week did something Johnson is yet to do - dip his toe in the loan market.
Ryley Towler joined on loan from Bristol Rovers on Wednesday and with David Longe-King set to be out for at least three weeks, the 19-year-old could make his debut in the Mariners’ defence.
Hurst said: “He’s trained with us and made a good first impression, and he’s keen to get involved straightaway.
“That gives us a bit more balance, he can play left-back as well, and he started his football as a midfielder and worked his way back, so you can see he’s comfortable on the ball.
“I’ll make a call whether we involve him straightaway, but he’s certainly ready for the challenge.”