Following Saturday's draw at St Ives Town, I spoke to Assistant Manager Tom Rothery and goalscorer Kaan Bennett to get their thoughts on the game itself, the result and Kaan's first Needham goal.
REACTION | TOM ROTHERY POST MATCH INTERVIEW | ST IVES TOWN V NEEDHAM MARKET | 19.11.2022 | SOUTHERN LEAGUE CENTRAL PREMIER DIVISION |
1. First of all, how do you reflect on the game?
TR: I thought we deserved at least a point. We wanted more but after going behind and obviously the time we scored in the game then it’s a reasonably positive point.
2. Unfortunate timing for Taylor's injury, do you think that disrupted our rythm?
TR: Taylor had started well and was beginning to find little pockets and looked like he was going to have a positive influence on the game. It’s a shame for him and is that he’s now potentially going to be out but we will have to wait and see on that one.
3. Second half we played better football, did you think we deserved a point?
TR: I thought both half’s we played reasonably well, I felt we were much better on the ball that we’ve been in recent away games but a criticism would be that we didn’t threaten enough or work the keeper enough with the amount of possession we had.
4. In the end though, we grabbed a late equaliser with Kaan's first goal, hopefully be a good confidence booster for him.
TR: Kaan did well and probably should have had another goal but the goal he scored will definitely give him a lift and I always think as an attack minded player until you get that goal it hangs over you a bit but I think Kaan is now settling well and the goal will definitely help that.
5. A big game Next up away to Coalville for our 3rd straight away game, how do you see that one going?
TR: We are in a tough run of games with the travel involved and all games in this league are tough. Coalville are clearly one of the best sides in the league and have had a good fa cup run like us. They are a very front footed sided who normally play with 2 forwards and 2 wingers so we will have to be organised first and foremost to stop their threats but I believe we can cause them issues with the way we play and if we can retain the ball like we did today but with a bit more threat then hopefully we can make the long journey worthwhile.
6. Following up on what you said to the 3rd question, do you think today can be taken as a bit of a confidence booster, having strived until the end to get a deserved point?
TR: I don’t think we are struggling for form I just think away from home we haven’t always got the results we deserve. But equally we haven’t been able to replicate how we perform at home away from home as yet, we haven’t been as good in possession and not had the same threat away from home but I do think that will come but we need that to happen as soon as possible. Like I said earlier we wanted more but a late goal to earn a point is certainly more positive than a defeat.
REACTION | KAAN BENNETT POST MATCH INTERVIEW | ST IVES TOWN V NEEDHAM MARKET | 19.11.2022 | SOUTHERN LEAGUE CENTRAL PREMIER DIVISION |
1. Well played on Saturday, first of how do you feel the game went overall, do you think it was a deserved point?
KB: I thought as a team we controlled a lot of the ball but after we conceded it was always going to be hard to break down their low block. I believe on another day we could’ve had decisions from the ref in our favour and a penalty nearer the end.
2. How have you found it at Needham so far?
KB: I’m extremely happy at Needham, the lads and the staff have welcomed me with open arms and I couldn’t have asked for much more on their behalf.
3. A well taken goal from you, talk us through it.
KB: The goal wasn’t much as a surprise to me as Hammo (Kyle Hammond) put it on plate for me and I’m confident in my ability and I know where the goal is as I didn’t have much time to think with the keeper rushing out.
4. How did it feel to get your first goal for the club, and an important one in the process?
KB: I’m over the moon because I feel like the first goal is always the hardest one and also meant we earned what I thought was a well deserved point in a game we could’ve got a lot more from.
5. Next up, we're on the road once again at Coalville on Saturday, how do you preview the game?
KB: Without playing against Coalville before I know it’s going to be a tough game but I hope I can continue the scoring and get a good result on the road because I believe on our day we can beat any team in the league.
6. Do you see the result Saturday as a much needed momentum builder for the trip to Coalville?
KB: At the end of the day we want to be earning as many points away from home if we want to be in and around the playoff spots so if we can build momentum while we have these run of away game that will do us massive favours when it comes to climbing the table.
