Five years of penalty success ends for Preston North End's Daniel Johnson

The midfielder took his first spot-kick for PNE in September 2015 and has scored 15 penalties in open play.

That was until the visit to the Madejski Stadium when he saw Royals goalkeeper Rafael save his 49th-minute effort after Emil Riis had been felled in the box.

Fortunately it wasn’t to hinder North End, with them going on to win 3-0 with Scott Sinclair, Riis and Brad Potts on target.

Johnson’s first penalty came against Bournemouth at Deepdale in the League Cup.

He slotted home that night in extra time to make it 2-2 and take the tie to a shoot-out.

Ironically, his one miss until this week came in that shoot-out, Alan Browne and Jordan Hugill also having their efforts saved.

But in terms of penalties during games, it was perfect run for the 28-year-old until Wednesday evening.

The 15 he has scored puts Johnson as the joint-fourth highest penalty scorer in PNE’s history.

North End boss Alex Neil says Johnson will continue on penalty duty, with his confidence in DJ’s ability not affected by the miss.

Neil has also got Scott Sinclair to turn to for spot-kicks, Sinclair having taken and scored two penalties this season.

Johnson and Sinclair both netted from the spot in last month’s 2-0 win against Queens Park Rangers.

Paul Gallagher has been PNE’s other regular penalty taker in recent seasons.

He has not been involved as much this season but if he is on the pitch when a penalty is given, he is another option.

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