Johnson: I’ve never taken a penalty before!
Cup hero Sam Johnson confided to the Sentinel newspaper that he had never taken a penalty prior to his match-winning effort against Walsall in the Johnstones’ Paint Trophy.
I’ve never actually taken one before, so to score one on my debut, and for it to be the winner, is just incredible.
Johnson enjoyed a dream debut as he saved three attempts and scored the winner in the twenty two shot penalty drama that followed Vale’s 2-2 draw. He told the Sentinel: “I’m just ecstatic and delighted. We were having a laugh before the game saying I was going to score the winning penalty, but I never dreamed it would happen.
“I’ve never actually taken one before, so to score one on my debut, and for it to be the winner, is just incredible.
“I’ve never, ever felt so nervous before I stepped up to take it. I just picked my corner and hoped their keeper would go the other way. Luckily he did.”
Manager Micky Adams added: “I’m chuffed for him. We have every confidence in him as a keeper and he’s a decent prospect.
“I wouldn’t say he’s a laid-back character, but he can look horizontal at times. But he’s a nice lad and if my daughter brought him home I’d be delighted.”