City went through 4-2 on spot-kicks after a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
Johnson explained: "Basso is a good shot-stopper, let alone from 12 yards. He is very athletic, with a good reach.
"The five players I picked all came up trumps apart from Louis Carey. We threw him in to create some excitement!"
Phil Jevons, Alex Russell, Bradley Orr and Jamie McAllister were all successful from the spot for the Robins.