In yesterday’s 6-0 victory against Peterborough United, Melissa Johnson added another two goals to her current record, totalling at 9 goals in 11 appearances. Johnson leads the way as she claims the title for top goal scorer within the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division. I spoke to Johnson after the game to get her thoughts. Here’s what she had to say:
“It’s a 6-0 win here at Grange Park, with you striking a brace. How does that feel?”
“It feels really good, we knew it was going to be a tough game. We knew they were going to set out in a high press, but they came and didn’t really do that. It was a difficult game in terms of what we wanted to achieve. Going into the first half was a slight challenge, we got two goals, but we came out and put on a really good performance in the second half.”
“As the league’s top goal scorer, what’s your mindset in matches where the opposition might focus heavily on shutting you down?”
“I’m starting to notice it a bit more now, but I’m trying to not let it affect me and my play. Obviously it takes a team as well, so it’s nice to have the support around me. If I’m not scoring, the girls around me are, so it’s good that it’s coming from everyone.”
With more eyes on women’s football, what does it mean to you to be a top scorer in a league that’s rapidly evolving and becoming more competitive?”
“I’m proud, but obviously the job isn’t done yet, we are only a quarter of the way through. I take it game by game really and focus on myself and being better.”
“After playing in both the Championship League and the FAWNL, do you think there is a big gap between the level of play in the two?”
“I think it is down to the investment teams put in. I don’t think it is a game of lacking ability on the pitch, it’s just the whether the opportunity to be in the environment I am thankfully in, playing for Forest, presents itself. Being in a full-time environment helps massively, so I think that is part of the gap. Without the investment, clubs are going to struggle.”
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