FA CUP REACTION Johnson joy at winning trip to Derby

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Created on Monday, 07 November 2022 06:55

Last Updated on Monday, 07 November 2022 07:43

Published on Monday, 07 November 2022 06:55

Written by ROSS REID at Plainmoor

Gary Johnson hailed his National League basement Torquay United side as they secured an FA Cup replay at League One high flyers Derby thanks to a last minute Will Goodwin leveller in a wet and windy wild West 2-2 draw at Plainmoor.

Johnson said: “We now look forward to our trip to Derby – it’s as good as getting to the next round.”

Will Osula goals either side of half time put County 2-0 before Goodwin won a second half penalty converted by skipper Asa Hall and resulting in the dismissal of Eiran Cashin.

United forward Goodwin then popped up with the equaliser in the fifth and final minute of stoppage time to spark late, wild celebrations for Torquay and their fans.

An obviously delighted Johnson enthused: “That was right up there with the best (FA Cup moments) just the way it was!

“The second half was unbelievable, we put lots of pressure on them.

“I know they were down to 10 men but they are a strong side and dangerous on the break.

“I think we had the quality to finish one of our chances because we had the ball in the box many a time.

“It was just lovely to get the goal. It’s not easy to break down a 4-4-1 first division team because they’ll be used to working on that but we did in the end and I am very proud of our club.

“Once again, I always say it when the big games come up, we look a formidable force on and off the field.

“I think the players are starting to understand what I want from them and it helps if you get on a roll.

“After our 6-1 win in the week over Aldershot here our confidence and belief has grown.

“We were throwing everything at it. Not everything was quality but you couldn’t deny our honest endeavour.

“You could say the goal was scruffy but in the end we must have had 10 players in their box trying to get that Gary time goal.”

County boss Paul Warne admitted: “Even if we had held out for the last five seconds, I still wouldn’t have been over the moon with the performance.  

“We should have taken more chances in the first half. At 2-0 I thought, maybe arrogantly, we would keep control of the ball and ask more questions. 

“But we caused our own problems and went down to 10 men. And in a game like this, it doesn’t matter who you are playing as they are going to throw everything at it.  

“The keeper goes up for the last corner and the crowd and the wind is behind them and everything seems to be against us. Collectively, we just didn’t do enough. 

“It was ridiculously windy and people were losing their footing all over the pitch. That is what cup football is all about.  

“It is the same for both teams, there are no excuses in that. I just didn’t think we did enough in the final third to win the game. Torquay fully deserved their draw. After the sending off, they asked enough questions to get a goal and we rode our luck at times. 

“We didn’t do enough to get another goal which would have put us in an unassailable position and in a cup game, they can take more and more risks and put the ball in the box. Something might happen and, in the end, they got what they deserved. 

“We have been punished in the 95^th minute and it is another fixture that we don’t want with so many players being out.”

The replay at Derby is likely to be Tuesday or Wednesday next week and confirmed this week.

The draw for the second round of the FA Cup will be live on BBC Two tonight from 1900. Torquay/Derby ball number 31.

Second round ties to be played November 25-28.

MATCH REPORT CLICK HERE

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