Walsall’s Danny Johnson Links Vertu Trophy Success to League Two Promotion Drive

Since his permanent transfer to Walsall from Mansfield in June 2023, Danny Johnson has registered 10 goals across 42 matches. Walsall forward Danny Johnson stated that the team’s performance in the Vertu Trophy is expected to provide “extra momentum” for their objective of achieving promotion from League Two during the current season. The Saddlers, who currently lead the fourth tier, advanced to the last 16 of the Trophy following a penalty shootout victory against League One side Reading. Johnson, aged 31, netted a 97th-minute equaliser, forcing the match into a shootout, where Walsall ultimately triumphed 4-2 on spot-kicks. The host team, having recorded 33 shots and 11 corners throughout the encounter, concluded the game playing with a two-man advantage after Reading’s goalkeeper David Button and defender Ashqar Ahmed received red cards in the second half. “We dominated the game – obviously the sendings-off helped, but we were well in control before that,” Johnson informed BBC Radio WM. He added, “I probably could’ve had 10 myself – we had 30-odd shots but it was a fun way to do it in the end.” “We had so many chances but it was one of those nights when it wasn’t going in. “But we’re through to the next round and hopefully everyone forgets how many shots we had.”” Johnson’s goal, which marked his fourth of the season and second in the Vertu Trophy, extended the Saddlers’ consistent ability to score crucial late goals. This represented the sixth occasion the team has scored beyond the 85th minute of a match, either securing points or winning a cup tie. Johnson attributed this characteristic to the preparation methods employed by manager Mat Sadler. “We’ve got people who can come on and help the team, we’re one of the fittest teams and we just keep on going,” he stated. “Winning teams always get those goals in the last minute. It really does make a difference to your season – it can only push you in one direction.” “It’s extra momentum. It gives a chance to the lads who haven’t been playing to stake their claim. “We’ve rotated in the cup games and still got results. It can only help the league form to keep winning.”” The win against Reading also marked the sixth instance this season that Walsall, having topped their Trophy group, defeated a League One opponent in cup competitions. Johnson commented that this establishes an excellent habit as the team aims for a return to the third tier next term. “It’s a confidence boost and is helping in the league when we’re playing those teams above [us] and getting results,” Johnson remarked. He added, “We’re backing that up against teams in our league.” “Sometimes when you play teams above you can say ‘that’s our cup final’ and then maybe slip up against the League Two sides but we’re not doing that.”