Johnson gives credit to Plainmoor opposition
“THESE things happen in pre-season,” said Torquay United manager Gary Johnson after his side were beaten 2-0 by visitors Chippenham Town at Plainmoor on Saturday.
Gulls fans logged on to the club’s new streaming service to watch the game against the National League South side, and they will have been disappointed by the performance of their team after two pre-season friendlies and two wins.
Johnson, who is getting his team ready for the start of the National League season on October 3, said: “It was a poor game from our point of view.”
The Gulls’ manager continued: “These things happen in pre-season sometimes. It was a little bit worrying that it was well below the standard required, of course – but we’ll give the opposition credit.
“They were looking forward to the game, and they did show an energy that we didn’t. They got their two goals, and I don’t think we had too many opportunities, which is also disappointing.”
However, Johnson remains confident ahead of the visit of Stockport
County on the first day of term on Saturday week. He said: “Sometimes it’s a good thing in pre-season.
“I know from other pre-seasons I’ve had – and I’ve probably had 40-odd of them – that sometimes these games show you more than the games you win.
“The games you win, you know the boys have got the quality; the games you lose, often you feel it’s attitude and commitment on that particular day,” he added.
“I’ve learned a little bit more about a few of them, and all the time you’re picking your team for the first game of the season in your head.
“I’ve had to cross a few out after today – obviously everybody gets a second chance next week, but next week I’ve got to get somewhere near – very near – to the team that’s going to face Stockport.”
Bradley Ash poked the ball home from close range just before the interval to give the Wiltshire side the lead, which was doubled with 17 minutes left when David Pratt took advantage of Dean Moxey’s underpowered header towards goalkeeper Shaun MacDonald.
Johnson’s side go to Twerton Park to face Bath City next Saturday for their final friendly.