Danny Johnson is hoping for lift off after Walsall goal
Danny Johnson is looking to kick on after scoring in Walsall’s 1-1 draw against Crawley on Tuesday night following a “tough” period.
The 30-year-old netted his first goal since August to break the deadlock and score what appeared to be the winner in the 88th minute.
However, Danilo Orsi crept behind the Walsall defence to rescue a point for Crawley in stoppage-time with a 94th-minute equaliser.
But the goal was a big moment for Johnson, who has struggled for game time over the past two months.
He has started just twice in League Two since the start of September – both of which Walsall lost against AFC Wimbledon and Sutton United respectively.
Johnson admitted it has been difficult to break into the side when the team is winning without him, but is now determined to use his goal as a platform to revive his season.
“It’s really difficult when the team are winning and you’re not playing,” Johnson revealed.
“If you’re scoring goals, and you don’t need goals in games, then it’s really difficult to get on, as desperate as you are to do so.
“You can understand that you’re not going to get that chance if you’re winning games.
“I’ve been through this a lot in my career, so it gets harder each time, but I’ve got to keep myself going, and remember that when you get that goal, hopefully things will change.”
Johnson netted 12 league goals and 15 in all competitions while on loan at Bescot during the first half of last term.
He also scored 26 per cent of their goals in League Two despite returning to Mansfield midway through the campaign.
But the likes of Isaac Hutchinson and Freddie Draper have hit the goal trail of late, and Johnson is now hungry to contribute more goals himself.
“I want to play whatever formation it is. Whoever is up there, I feel as though I can play with,” he said.
“Last season, there was probably only me (scoring the goals), whereas we’ve got goals from different places this season, which is good for the team.
“Freddie has done brilliantly. I’ve been counting his goals and I think he is bang on with what I was last season.
“Freddie has a big future, and has scored some really good goals so far.
“The issue has been that we’ve lost when I’ve been in the team. That’s been really difficult but I am looking forward now.”
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