Top of the table Billericay Town come to Plainmoor on Saturday in what TUFC manager is billing as big game in United’s season. If you can get to Plainmoor then we need your support.
United will be eager to release some of the frustration from Tuesday night’s 2-2 draw against Weston-Super-Mare.
Johnson was sked at his weekly press call whether he learned more about his team when they didn’t perform to the levels he expected.
“I think you do,” said Johnson. “You learn from every game; the main thing you’ve got to learn, and that takes a series of games, is whether people can be consistent in their game. Are they taking on information? Have I got to tell them every week the same things? Or can they just pick it up? You find the lower the level you’re at the less information some people take on board. We’ve got to make sure we find the footballers that do take on information because they help your health, because you haven’t got to keep screaming at them every five minutes.
“I’ve been quite pleased with them. I was disappointed with them the other night. Nothing is ever as bad as you think it is and nothing is ever as good as you think it is. What they did do, they worked hard. They tried to work hard, it was just endeavour that was misdirected on many, many, occasions.
“We’ve got a group of lads that are as disappointed as I am, when it doesn’t quite work out. The first half against Woking, and the game the other night, and these were draws. A draw against the top of the league, and a draw against a team that we said were going to be dangerous because they were a wounded animal.”
Despite disappointment with Tuesday night’s result, Johnson sees positives in the run the team is on.
“We kept our run going, I think it’s 11 points from five games. We had a meeting with the boys and said the only problem with that is, that’s alright if it was the start of the season, but we were behind the two points per game that you need to get promotion. That’s why it was two points lost because we’re trying to make up for their early, poor start. They all understand that, and we’re coming into a very big game with a team that’s put a lot of money into their team, put a lot of experience into their team. I’m sure they’ll be there or there abouts.”
Johnson sees Saturday’s game as one that the Yellow Army will enjoy.
“I’m expecting a tough game, that’s for sure. There’s probably four or five [players] that I know very, very well. A few of them I have talked to in the past, a couple of them have been in my teams in the past. For the supporter, I think it will be a really good game because we’re trying to haul them back towards us. They’ll see it as a really big result if they get a result and get further away. I just see it is going to be a fantastic game and both sets of players will be up for it.
“If we get over 3,000 people that all want us to win then I’m sure that will give us a little bit of an advantage.”
United are checking on members of the squad that have knocks. One of those that United will wait for is Bristol City loanee Jake Andrews. The Gaffer is keeping all other fitness news close to his chest.
Torquay United Vs Billericay Town | 03/11/18 | Plainmoor | Saturday is not an all-ticket match but if you want to buy in advance click here.