A pleasing evening for you in the end?
In the end, yes. They caused us quite a lot of problems first half before their goalkeeper was sent off and they went down to 10. It was a box in midfield and we could see it. We were trying to shout on instructions of how to counteract that, but one or two were a bit reluctant to go into an area they are not really used to, but that was the only way we were going to stop them because their movement and passing was very good. The red card helped us, but I have also played against teams with 10 men and they’ve held out and won games and maybe nicked a second one, so I am pleased. We kept patient, some of the football we played, the second goal in particular, was very good. With the intricate passing, because we still had to break them down. You could see one or two maybe needed that boost. I have told them, it’s not just the physical part of fitness, they need that mental consistency too. They got that with a lot more passes second half than we would have had if they had 11 men.
What did you say to them at half-time?
We were able to pinpoint exactly where they were giving us trouble. They knew what I expected of them, therefore it was necessary to let them know. They were aware of my desires. (Noah) Mawene played a very free role, but Nelson (Jardim) did a great job and Newport showed bravery in possession. I understand why they are a challenge for teams. Naturally, we switched teams with a few players, but I was happy with the ones that replaced us.
You did create a lot of chances in that second half
Indeed, we did. Ryan Haynes may have scored twice, and there were plenty more opportunities. It instills some confidence in them. I anticipated that things would begin this way. As I mentioned on Saturday, five players on our youthful team had played in fewer than five league games. You see, we made adjustments tonight and had more side experience than we did on Saturday. The key is to find that balance. The players need to return at this point. What I will say is that I have been upfront and truthful with the fans, the team, and—more importantly—a few of the players. I think Tom Bradbury was great. I have a lot to think about this weekend thanks to him. I don’t tend to cut off my nose to get even with my face. We have a tight budget, therefore we have to give up some items in order to achieve our goals. That’s all there is to it; nothing personal, but on Saturday, they all showed up, took care of themselves, and raised their hands to receive shirts.
With the budget, are you able to keep Liam Kinsella and Tom Bradbury?
Yes, at the moment I can because the budget is until the end of the season. The board have been open and honest, fantastic, stretching as far as they can and I can only thank them for that. It’s not something that’s been sprung on me. But, where we’re at in terms of bringing 19 players in, we’ve had to be creative and it’s going to take time, but we’ll get better and better as it goes on. When we find a settled team who are playing consistently well week in, week out, not just one half here and one half there.
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