FA Cup

Lee Johnson "buzzing" for Altrincham FA Cup tie

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 05 November 2015

Lee Johnson admits that this weekend's FA Cup tie against Altrincham "cannot come soon enough" following Barnsley's poor run of form in League One.

Barnsley manager Lee Johnson has insisted that he is relishing the chance to kick-start his side's campaign when they take on minnows Altrincham in the FA Cup this weekend.

The Tykes have endured a torrid season to date in League One, losing seven games in succession to find themselves inside the relegation zone.

Despite the growing pressure on his shoulders, Johnson believes that a cup run could be exactly what is required to get Barnsley's league hopes firmly back on track.

"I'm buzzing for this game," he told reporters. "It can't come quick enough. We go into it excited as the fans will be there and if we can put in the performance needed and get a result, it could be a catalyst for us. It's going to be tough as the FA Cup always is.

"I was delighted with the draw because I love the cup. I have played for giant killers and in giant killings, we're still in both the JPT and the FA Cup so it's a nice separate challenge. They are a solid side that works hard which you'd expect at that level.

"We need to go out there and respect the opposition, but there's nothing we don't know about them. They had lots of our staff at our game on Tuesday so they'll have a plan too. The players want to win. They're hurting like everyone else is and going into these games there's a realistic chance that if we perform we'll get the results."

Johnson also revealed that Kadeem Harris has returned to parent club Cardiff City after picking up an injury that will keep him out for the remainder of his loan spell.