Brennan Johnson excels in discouraging 2-2 draw for Lincoln at home to Swindon

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In what was a disappointing night for the Imps, Welsh international Brennan Johnson – who is on loan at Sincil Bank from parent club Nottingham Forest, stood out like a sore thumb.

The 19-year-old won the penalty in which captain Jorge Grant converted in the 26th minute to level the scores at 1-1 after a shock Jordan Garrick opener gave Swindon the lead after just 60 seconds.

Johnson never looked to run out of steam throughout the matchup, and should’ve bagged at least two assists on the occasion.

Just before the equaliser, the attacking midfielder burst through the centre of the park with a run of intent and directness, beating two Town defenders before laying it off to Morgan Rogers – who hit his effort straight at Joseph Wollacott in the Swindon goal.

With both sides looking capable of a goal every time they charged forward, the state of affairs favoured the number 20 who thrived off the intensity and fast-paced nature of the contest.

A galvanic run down the right-wing from Johnson after the interval saw him deliver a threatening ball in the six-yard area, but frontman Tom Hopper couldn’t manage to provide the finishing touch as Swindon were let off once again.

Five goals and three assists are the totals for Johnson so far this season, the joint-third most combined contributions behind Hopper and Grant with ten and 16 respectively.

Nottingham Forest will certainly be enthusiastic to welcome their academy graduate back to the squad for the 2021/22 season, who will benefit greatly thanks to Johnson’s natural flair and creativity.

Johnson has been with Forest since the age of eight, and grew up in Nottingham – making his professional debut for the club aged 18 against West Bromwich Albion.

An undeniably compelling prospect for Reds fans to look forward to in the new campaign. On the night, he managed the most xA (expected assists) for his team (0.4).

After attracting interest from Premier League outfit Everton at just 15-years-old, Forest were able to fend off admired interest in the player and tie him down to a long-term contract in September 2019.

On his Wales U21 debut, Johnson scored the winning goal against Belgium and has since opted to play for Ryan Giggs’ squad despite eligibility for England and Jamaica also.

David Johnson, Brennan’s father, played at the City Ground for five years and scored 46 goals in just under 150 appearances for the then-First Division club.

The youngster told Nottinghamshire Live in May 2019 that he wishes to emulate his dad’s career, and be a successful part of his boyhood team.

“My dad finished up here in Nottingham and that has ended with me here and with me always wanting this to be the team I hoped to play for. When I was really young I did watch him play for Forest, but I was very young and there is not much I remember about it.

Regrettably for Johnson, his efforts on the night weren’t enough to secure the desired three for Michael Appleton’s side – who have since dropped to 2nd place in League One following Peterborough United’s 3-0 win away at Plymouth.

Next up for City is also a trip to Argyle, with Johnson and Co. aiming to emulate Posh’s impressive performance and take a vital three points back home to the East Midlands.

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