JJ - the comeback king who can galvanise Macc’s season

Johnson's worldy earns Silkmen precious 3pts

Appreciating what you have is the best cure for missing what you’ve lost.

Justin Johnson’s incredible match-winning strike against Curzon was a poignant reminder that the winger is one of THE best talents at this level. And he’s ours.

There are parallels between us as supporters and Johnson the player. We’ve both lost our way recently, but yesterday’s thrilling 3-2 win emphasised the importance of sticking together in tough times, especially when others jump ship.

One of the greatest gifts you can give to someone is the gift of unconditional love and acceptance. Instead of bemoaning what Johnson isn’t, maybe we should embrace and celebrate what he is - a skilful, goalscoring winger who can produce moments of magic to turn games on their head.

JJ the comeback king

Johnson’s emergence as the unlikely saviour of the Silkmen’s stuttering season is more by luck than design. According to Silkmen News insiders, six weeks ago JJ was heading for the exit door as he became increasingly disillusioned by his lack of minutes.

Johnson’s frustrations were valid. It’s only when you delve into his actual playing time this season that it becomes apparent just how much manager John Rooney had marginalised him. 4 starts (2 in the league), 6 sub appearances (5 in the league), unused sub on four occasions.

Total average playing time in 14 games = 24 minutes. 2 goals, 3 assists.

• Worksop, 92nd min sub

• Oxford, unused sub

• Southport, unused sub

• Alfreton, unused sub

• Spennymoor, unused sub

• Darlington, 88th min sub, created the assist for Mellor’s winner

• Merthyr, 77th min sub

• Kidderminster, 93rd min sub

• Atheron LR, FA Cup qualifier, 65th min sub

• Chorley, 66th minute sub, effectively created the assist for Elliott’s equaliser when his goalbound shot got stuck on the line. Almost made it 3-2 but was denied by a great save

• Nantwich, first start in FA Cup qualifier, substituted after 66 mins

• Marine, first league start but was substituted after 26 mins for Danny Whitehead following Josh Kay’s red card

• Stamford, FA Cup qualifier, created the assist for Dawson’s winner. Substituted after 88 mins and named player of the match

• Curzon Ashton, second league start, two goals including 82nd min winner to secure victory. Named player of the match for second successive week

JJ grabs his chance

Three key factors have contributed to Johnson’s emerging influence this season. 1. Growing interest in Sean Etaluku and the realisation that the club could no longer keep him as Savage and Forest Green came knocking. 2. A lacklustre display from Isaac Buckley-Ricketts in the FA Cup qualifier against Atherton LR opened the door for JJ. 3. Most importantly, Johnson made the most of his opportunities when they came along.

Against Darlington, Johnson’s willingness to take on a full-back and immediately whip a ball into the box caused the panic which led to D’Mani Mellor’s winner.

At Chorley, on as a 66th minute sub, Johnson reaped havoc as he ran at tiring defenders and looked to be positive at every opportunity. 2 shots, 1 big chance created, 2 key passes and 3 successful dribbles. Even defensively JJ was a revelation against his former club - 2 out of 2 tackles won, winning 6 out of the 9 challenges he contested and he also recovered possession twice. Not bad for a lad that ‘can’t defend’.

I haven’t got the stats yet for the 29 year-old’s latest MOM performance against Curzon yesterday. But none of us need data to determine how sensational Johnson was. His first goal resulted from a neat finish after bright movement in the box. He almost created a wonderful assist following a crossfield ball to Mellor midway through the second half, only for D’Mani to fluff his lines and misscontrol from six yards out.

And his winner… oh my word… WHAT A STRIKE! Cutting in from the left and unleashing a 30-yard blockbuster which wickedly swerved at pace in the last moment to leave the Curzon keeper rooted to the spot. To the tune of the Human League, Justin Johnson baby, Justin Johnson ooooohhhhhhhhh!!

Should we be surprised by Johnson’s form?

Johnson’s upturn in form may be a surprise to some, but long time readers to this website will know that I’ve always been Team JJ ;-). It’s worth remembering that Johnson was the first of the ‘galacticos’ to join last summer’s bankrolling of promotion from the Northern Premier League.

Wooed from Chorley, where he had just been named in the National League North’s team of the season, Johnson began his Silkmen career as the shiniest of new toys. By November though the winger had gone off the boil and found first-team starts increasingly limited as Savage splashed more cash on Sean Etaluku who took Johnson’s place.

Arguably the main casualty of Savage’s flirtations with playing three at the back and two wingbacks, Johnson struggled to fulfil his defensive duties and still be effective in the final third. The Boxing Day loss to Leek, where JJ was hooked at half-time after a disastrous first half playing at right back, was his lowest ebb.

After sustaining an injury at Lancaster in February, Johnson became the forgotten man amongst the jubilation of the promotion run-in. However, at times the player didn’t help himself as he produced a series of disappointing displays off the bench to almost justify Savage’s team selections.

The lack of minutes were detrimental to Johnson mentally and physically, his 5’7 frame being unforgiving when he carried a few extra pounds stemming from being on the sidelines. But following an intense summer fitness programme JJ has returned looking lean and mean. He just needed a chance to prove it.

Whilst he may delight and frustrate in equal measure, Johnson is and always has been a major talent. For all his inconsistency last season, he still contributed eight goals and ten assists, many of them being against the NPL’s leading sides, including demolishing next weekend’s opponents South Shields when we faced them in an FA Cup qualifier.

There are few reasons to be positive about Sean Etaluku’s impending transfer to Forest Green. But if it opens the door for Johnson to prove the doubters wrong, both he and Macclesfield FC will have the last laugh.