Shootout cup exit fuels City league return

He was pleased with how some of the younger players performed against QPR on Tuesday night, notably summer signing Han-Noah Massengo who made his club debut in the 3-3 draw.

Famara Diédhiou opened the scoring before the Hoops fought back in front, though screamers from Jack Hunt and Liam Walsh put the tie in the Robins favour at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.

However a controversial Ryan Manning penalty pulled the game back to 3-3 and with the game tied after 90 minutes, QPR won the resulting shootout 5-4.

There are now just four days before the two teams meet in the Sky Bet Championship.

Johnson’s view on the game

“I’m disappointed. There were great parts to our play, there were two fantastic goals out of the three and there were some good performances in possession from some young players.

“Out of possession we didn’t do enough. I thought we were too open, too loose, it’s frustrating not to see the game out at 3-2. It was an horrendous decision from the ref [to give the penalty] and that has cost us today.”

Where to improve

“We were a little bit naive at times, there was some quality in possession at times but you had to do the dirty bits well and we didn’t do that well enough over the pitch, from the start. It was there for us to win and we’ve come out of the cup which is really disappointing.”

Saturday a new game

“There will be different players that’s for sure. We are at home, it’s a new game, but of course you can use that loss as motivation going into Saturday.”

Thanking the fans

“They were brilliant. I think we always travel well to London and they enjoyed the performance of Han-Noah Massengo for example. Some of the young lads did really well so there are positives to take from the game.”

Coming back stronger

“I just don’t like losing football matches and it hurts. It should hurt the player and if it hurts them enough then we move into Saturday and can use that aggression to get the three points.”

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