Gary Johnson: 'We've found a player'

Manager Gary Johnson tried hard not to pick his own man-of-the-match from Torquay United's reaffirming 3-0 home win over Farnborough - and was then prompted into giving a special mention to midfielder Brett McGavin (writes Dave Thomas).

McGavin has often struggled to bring his undoubted 'A'-game to match days over the last season and a bit, and it was obviously a significant decision to recall him to the starting XI against Farnborough.

The pressure was on for the Gulls - and McGaviin in a midfield 'anchor role - to deliver after last Saturday's 2-1 flop at Aveley.

The standing ovation that McGavin received when Johnson took him off ten minutes from time told its own story, and the Gulls' boss commented: "We know he's got that game in him. Brett is a confidence player.

"So we spoke to him, and we asked him 'Can you handle it? Can you handle it if it doesn't go well?'

"We wanted somebody who could switch the play and give us that extra pass, and he also gave us that little extra insurance (in midfield).

"Today, we found a player."

In an entertaining and fast-paced game which saw Farnborough play their part, United not only recorded their fifth win in six games with goals by strikers Aaron Jarvis (2) and Brad Ash, but they also gave their best all-round performance of the season so far.

"I loved watching my team today," said Johnson. "We looked a strong group on and off the pitch.

"We've tried to really get into their psyche in the last few days. The've had to have that mental toughness.

"What we saw was what we're striving for. We haven't seen it like that yet. It came out today.

"The supporters played their part and, hopefully, they've gone home happy, because they've seen their team put it together, mentally and physically.

"I thought the supporters were brilliant.  It's the old chicken and egg thing - Is it up to us to get them going or do they get us going?  I think it was a bit of both tonight."

Johnson also praised Jarvis and Ash, who are both on four goals now, saying: "It's a real good partnership - they make opportunities for each other."

And he felt that young Plymouth Argyle loanee Will Jenkins Davies, 19, had his best game in a Torquay shirt.

But Johnson stressed: "It's early days.  We're not resting on any laurels, and we've got a very difficult game coming up against a good Chelmsford side (H) on Saturday."

United are back up to fourth place in the NL South, two points behind leaders Aveley and Worthing.