Risky decisions work for Johnson

Manager Gary Johnson was a happy man after a series of potentially risky decisions paid off in Torquay United’s 4-1 FA Trophy win at Frome Town. 
The Gulls were without ten injured or cup-tied pros for the tie in Somerset, and Johnson gave debuts to several teenagers, including three Academy players. 
On-loan Fleetwood Town striker Theo Williams scored in each half, young defender Ollie Tomlinson volleyed home to give United a 2-0 half-time lead and Will Jenkins Davies, just back on loan from Plymouth Argyle, hit the fourth with his first touch as a substitute. 
Reserve goalkeeper Rhys Lovett also saved a penalty just before the interval. 
“I’m pleased we got two goals up the slope and against the wind,” said Johnson, “but the big part of the day is that we’ve managed to judge it right with the players we had to leave at home. 
“I’m really pleased for the whole club that we were able to use some of our Academy lads to play in the first team. 
“You never forget your debut, and I know what it’s like for young lads to get these opportunities at these levels. 
“Frome beat Worthing in the last round, they gave it a good go and we had to do the right things to come here and win the game. 
“We’ve got away with a tricky game – Rhys (Lovett) saved a penalty at the right time – but we created a lot of chances in the second half 
“It worked out well. Sometimes it doesn’t.” 
First-year pro defender Calum Thomas made his first start, along with Youth midfielder Jacob Wellington. 
And Academy forwards Kai Swann and Thomas Chastey also went on as second-half subs. 
An equally good result was earned by United’s Under-18 side without several of their best players - they extended their 100% record in the SW Counties Youth League with a 2-1 win away to Fairford Academy.