Centre-back Ryan Johnson answered our Assistant Manager Terry Skiverton in the best possible way - with his first goal for the club that set us on the way to victory at Sutton.
“If I’m going to be honest, it’s about time I scored,” said Ryan after we won 3-0 at our local rivals and made it back-to-back away wins. “There was a little bit of relief when that went in! Terry has been on at me for the last couple of games about getting into the box.
“I’ve had a couple of chances, so it’s about time I put one away, to be fair. Clean sheet, three goals, three points - you can’t ask for much more.”
“You know what you’re going to get coming up against Sutton - they’re strong, physical and like to play the ball forward. It’s something you’ve got to deal with and I think the back four and Alex Bass did that. Going forward I thought we were brilliant. Alex gets us out of trouble when we’ve messed up - that’s what he’s there for.”
Our summer signing from Stockport County felt that our 1,296 fans in the away end also played an important part in the victory.
“They were unreal,” said Ryan. “They didn’t stop the whole game! From minute one to the end they were brilliant. I don’t think they stopped singing at all. It spurred us on. At both two and three up we wanted to get more goals and that’s because of our supporters.”
“I’m buzzing for Harry Pell to have scored our second goal. That’s testament to our squad - we take Omar Bugiel off and put Pelly on and he does exactly the same. He’s a nuisance and wins headers.
“James Tilley is different class. He’s a good lad as well. That sums up the group - we’re all good players and a good squad. He’s started the season on fire, with four goals now in the last three games, and I hope he continues that form because it’s going to really help us out.”
As well as linking up with former Stockport teammate Joe Lewis again at the heart of our defence, Ryan has also settled in quickly off the pitch.
“I know Joe well and we get on really well,” said Ryan. “It’s great to play alongside him and we’ve got that consistency at the moment. It’s a long season ahead of us. We’ve got to stay grounded and move on to Forest Green at home next Saturday."
Photos: Stephen Flynn (Pro Sports Images).