Johnson disappointed with loss, but has eyes on ‘huge home prize’
Lee Johnson was disappointed with Sunderland's performance against Northampton Town but says securing the second leg of their play-off semi-final on home turf was a 'huge prize'.
The Black Cats will face Lincoln City after labouring to a 1-1 draw on Sunday afternoon.
However, Lincoln's goalless draw with AFC Wimbledon saw the Black Cats secure fourth position in the League One table.
That means they will play the second leg in front of their own supporters, with the club set to announce attendance and ticketing details today after a meeting with the local safety advisory group.
"Well I think the first thing is that I'm pleased with the outcome in terms of having the second leg at home," Johnson said.
"I think it's a huge prize. “I think that's important and in that sense the day's mission was completed.
"But we wanted to do it with a win and we wanted to do with a bit more style, if I'm honest.
"It was a difficult game for us, the opposition have been under a lot of pressure and have then been relegated, so there's that release for them.
"We know we're peaking next week, if you like, and there were some changes we made that were premeditated.
"So I thought the game was bitty and there wasn't enough
penetration on our part.
"But it's not the time for us to be going in and tearing strips off people, it's our job now as staff to serve these players ahead of the play-offs.
"They've got to be honest with us about exactly what they need. Whether that's a few more minutes, and we're organising a behind-closeddoors game next Friday.
"For some it will be the
mental side of the preparation [that's key] and for some it's just quickening up which we need.
"We had a lot of attacks, but not enough dangerous attack, but there are positives for us. Charlie getting 60 minutes, Aiden 45, Conor McLaughlin getting another 50 minutes."
Sunderland have finished the regular season in poor form, and while disappointed at seeing hope of a top-two finish fade away, Johnson said there were mitigating circumstances.
"I think it's been a B+ [the regular campaign].
"After that first game when you're sat in 11th, there's an awful lot to do.
"We've had a lot to contend with. I know every club in football has to deal with that [Covid-19] but I think this club even more so.
"The number of defenders we've had, the Covid period we had, and the condensed fixture schedule that I think left us a bit flatlined."
Johnson says Sunderland will have to be at their best against a Lincoln side who impressed on their two visits to the Stadium of Light this year.
"They're a really good side, a lot of athleticism," Johnson said.
"I think their best XI is up there with the best in the league. They've got two wide players who are pacy, bite in midfield and a backline that on their day is very solid and secure.
"There's no doubt that we'll have to be our best.
"We'll attack it with brightness and enthusiasm like we know we can."