Billy Johnson's Injury-Time Wonder Goal: A Goalkeeper's Dream Moment
Frederik Hvillum
In a dramatic finale to the Suffolk Premier Cup final, Leiston FC goalkeeper Billy Johnson delivered a moment of magic that few will forget - an injury-time scissor kick that kept his team's hopes alive.
Football often delivers moments that defy belief, and Billy Johnson's stunning equalizer in the Suffolk Premier Cup final certainly falls into that category. With Leiston FC trailing 2-1 to Felixstowe and Walton United and time rapidly running out, Johnson made the bold decision to join the attack for a last-minute corner.
As the ball was played into a crowded penalty area in the 92nd minute, Johnson found himself in the right place at the right time. The ball fell to him, and with remarkable athleticism for a goalkeeper, he executed a perfect scissor kick that flew into the net, leveling the score at 2-2 and sending the Leiston supporters into raptures.
"It was mental, really," Johnson recalls with obvious excitement. "I've been up for a few corners this season and got close with my head a couple of times, but I never thought a scissor kick in the 92nd minute was going to be how I got my first goal."
Johnson's euphoria at that moment was overwhelming. "Not much went through my head, just sheer joy. It felt like a dream!"
While goalkeepers scoring is rare enough, to do so with such technical brilliance makes the story even more remarkable. However, Johnson reveals that his acrobatic finish wasn't entirely out of character.
"To be fair, it's something I practice a bit, whether it's messing about or just having some fun. If you ask my mates, they'd say it's pretty standard for me."
Though Leiston would ultimately lose 4-3 on penalties, Johnson's heroics ensured his team had a fighting chance and created a moment that will be remembered long after the result fades from memory.
"I Love Veo"
Thanks to Veo, this extraordinary goal was captured from an excellent angle, giving Johnson a keepsake of his magical moment.
"It's great to have the goal on record. Veo got a great angle, and it means I can save and show it off for the foreseeable future!"
The Leiston goalkeeper is no stranger to video analysis, regularly using footage to improve his own performances and help others develop.
"I love Veo. I use it all the time to clip and grab highlights from my games. I've always clipped games, and it's always class when you have a great game and you see the Veo up."
Johnson's appreciation for video analysis extends beyond his own performances. In his work with Ipswich Ladies, he utilizes the technology to help players progress.
"I use it at work too with Ipswich Ladies to get footage and clips to help progress them and use it to their benefit."
For a goalkeeper to score at all is special; to do so with a scissor kick in injury time of a cup final is the stuff of dreams. Although Leiston FC didn't lift the Suffolk Premier Cup on this occasion, Billy Johnson ensured that the 2024 final will be remembered for years to come.
