Manager Kevin Horlock and goalscorers Jamie McGrath and Nico Valentine give their thoughts on yesterday's win over Kettering Town.
Kevin Horlock reflects on our 4-0 victory.
DK: A much better day and a well-deserved result?
KH: Yeah, I think in the end, I don't think anyone can argue with the result. Four goals, clean sheet and let's be honest, it could have been more. I thought we had quite a tentative start to the game.
It was a little bit lacklustre at times, lacked a little bit of energy but obviously we addressed that at half-time and second half I thought was excellent.
DK: With the goal coming on 44 minutes, it's a perfect time to score.
KH: Yes, it was to be fair. Not much happened in the first half. We huffed and puffed, got in good areas but didn't really dominate as much as I'd have liked. We didn't create too many chances so the goal coming just before half-time, it was a really nice timing, and gave us something to build on the second half, we addressed to be a little bit more aggressive, a little bit more front foot, a little bit more energy which we did and in the end we created a number of chances.
DK: The goals were absolutely insane as well.
KH: Yeah, obviously Jamie I thought was excellent today. He played a little bit of a different role in midfield but he looks a threat from there. He holds the ball and obviously scored two great goals. Ingers' was a great finish and a great move and then obviously Nico's come on and got his first goal for the club so it was a pleasing day all round.
DK: And Tommy Smith, the anchor in both ends of it.
KH: Yeah, Tommy's been magnificent since he's come to us. He's given us a real outlet on the left. He's defensively part of the defence that's been so good this year so he's been an excellent signing for us.
DK: And like you say, Nico's second ever senior goal I think?
KH: He's got more to come. The lad's got ability, you can see that. Obviously, he signed and then was injured for a bit so he's not got many minutes and he's had to come off the bench because we've been in such good form. But like I said to the lads, we've brought Emmanuel in as well now from Ipswich.
We've got a healthy squad. Whoever I pick to start, I've got a healthy bench and a good bench to come on. So, it's about lads playing to their potential, playing at a high level to keep a shirt and that creates competition and hopefully that creates success.
DK: After Monday, those two changes added a bit more freshness?
KH: Yeah, I think we've done that. I think we've lost three games all season and as disappointing as it was, the result against Sudbury, I wasn't too bothered because we are going to lose games in football, and generally, we bounced back. I think the first time we lost, we went on a massive run of winning. The second game against Nuneaton, we lost, I think, we went on an eight-game winning run and hopefully this one's the same. Sometimes in football, you need that little kick up the backside to restart and rebuild momentum. So, that was important. I think if we'd have lost against Sudbury and then obviously dropped points again today or not performed very well today, then you start getting a little bit worried. But I knew we'd turn up and get a performance and a result today.
DK: And back top of the league.
KH: Yeah, to be shot at. It's hard not to look at it, obviously. And it's nice. We want to be up there, but we don't want to be up there in January. We want to be up there at the end of the season. So, we'll keep working hard. We'll keep looking over our shoulders. We'll keep getting shot at and be everyone's cup final and team to beat. And we'll see how we deal with it.
I think we've got a squad and a mentality within that squad that can hopefully cope with it. And obviously, we'll see that further down the line.
DK: What's the most pleasing thing today?
KH: The three points were massive. I think the second-half performance, the goals were good as well on a fairly heavy pitch. A clean sheet, four goals. I think that's what says it all.
DK: You mentioned about bringing Emmanuel in, what do you make of him so far?
KH: Look, he was done first thing this morning, so he's not been to training yet. Obviously, we've watched him. I've spoke to people about him. He's a big lad, 6'2", a centre midfielder that can play, technically really, really good. So, it just bolsters us up and gives us options. So, his job, along with all the other lads that haven't started today, is to get in the team. And if you get in the team and do well, you stay in there. So, obviously, I'm hoping it can be a good move for both Manny, Nico and ourselves because we want to try and give them minutes. We want to win games and hopefully that can develop them at the same time.
DK: Any reason why Reece wasn't in the squad?
KH: Reece was injured. He's had an ongoing problem with his pelvis for a number of weeks now. Obviously, he's dipping in and out. So, that was one reason why I tried to get Manny in, really, to give him that time to get his injury fixed once and for all.
So, hopefully, obviously, now adding to the squad, we've not got to rush him back and ask him to be involved again until his injury is sorted once and for all.
DK: And moving on, Tuesday, Redditch. Another tough game.
KH: Yeah, a massive one. I think they ended up losing today but they're hot on our heels and obviously a good club and always there or thereabouts. So, it'll be a big one. I'm hoping we obviously perform well and if we do that, we've got a chance. There's no doubt about that. But, yeah, I think there's still a long way to go in the season but this is certainly one that you could build up to be a six-pointer.
DK: So far, so good to start the year off.
KH: Yeah, now we've got Sudbury out of the way.
We've pressed the restart button. That's out of our systems now and hopefully we can go on a winning run. That was 20-23-ish.
Double goalscorer Jamie McGrath reflects on yesterday's win over Kettering.
DK: It must be nice to start the year off with two nice goals.
JMcG: Yes, it's nice. To be fair, I think it's more important that we bounce back from the defeat on Monday. So, yes, the goals are great, but three points was the most important thing today.
DK: Yes, what did you make of the game?
JMcG: I thought we started quite slowly, actually, but then we sort of grew into the game and, you know, great goal by Ingers before half-time and then, yes, just sort of kicked on from there second half. But, yes, as I said, I think we grew into the game and then the second half was much better, more like it.
DK: Your second goal must please you more because it was a good solo run and a heck of a finish.
JMcG: Yes, it was nice. To be fair, I was just as pleased with the first one. They all count the same. So just to get on the score sheet and help the team is the most important thing.
DK: Did you know much of the first one?
JMcG: Well, it was just sort of about getting in the right area. I know that Tommy Smith's got a great left foot. So once he gets it down the wing, it's just a case of us forward players getting in and around the six-yard box. And then, thankfully, I was there to just sort of tap it in.
DK: What's the best thing about today for you, other than three points?
JMcG: I think it was just, you know, scoring four goals, keeping a clean sheet. It's about as good as an afternoon as you can hope for.
DK: Keeping the momentum going and dispelling Monday?
JMcG: Yes, I think that was important. We were nowhere near good enough on Monday. It was way below our standards that we set this season. So it was important that we came here today and put that right, which thankfully we have done.
DK: And with this your first start in a few games, it must be nice to have hit the ground running, so to speak.
JMcG: Yes, of course. It's always disappointing when you're on the bench. But we've got such a strong squad that you can't really be too downhearted and disappointed, and you just have to take your chances when you come on or when you get the chance to start, like I did today. So thankfully, I was able to do that.
DK: A long way to go, but back top of the table.
JMcG: Yes, I know it sounds like a cliché, but we're not really focusing on that. We're just sort of taking each game as it comes and then, you know, whatever will be, will be.
DK: But it's nice to see that, isn't it?
JMcG: It is nice, yes, absolutely. Yes, you'd rather be up there than down the bottom. So, no, it is really pleasing.
DK: After how last season went, for the most part, does it make it the more sweeter how it's going so far?
JMcG: Yes, 100 percent. I think that was the chat from all of us at the start of the season, was that we needed to have a better league campaign. And thankfully, so far, we've been able to do that. So, yes, that is really pleasing.
DK: How would you describe it so far?
JMcG: Excellent. Yes, it's been brilliant. Yes, not much more to say than that, really. But it's all about maintaining standards and going again for the second half of the season.
DK: Big game on Tuesday, Redditch, who are up there as well.
JMcG: Yes, massive game. They've been doing well recently. So, but, you know, back at Bloomfields, under the lights on a Tuesday night, we back ourselves against anyone. So, we'll come here full of confidence and try and make it a very tricky game for them.
DK: And we've got Nico and Manny in the squad now to add to that squad depth.
JMcG: Yes, exactly. As you saw today, Nico came on, scored a great goal. So, he looks a really promising player. So, yes, it's just, as you say, it's a case of furthering that squad depth, and hopefully they can contribute to an already good season.
DK: Without getting too carried away, do you have faith that we can do it?
JMcG: As I said earlier, I really don't think we're sort of looking that far ahead. It's just, it really is just about taking it game by game and week by week. And then, as I say, whatever will happen, will happen.
DK: It must have been nice to get your first goal for the club?
NV: Yes, it's obviously been a long time coming, and I think it's one that I've worked towards. Obviously, I came in, unfortunately, did my ankle in my first session here, but I've just been trying to build up my fitness and get back to the place I was before in the form that I was in at Ipswich just before I came here. And I think when I saw it, seeing it hit the back of the net, it's one of them that I've realised I've worked towards, and it's shown that all the work has come to show, and I'm happy with that now.
DK: After being denied by the keeper mere seconds before, that must have been even sweeter?
NV: Yes, that one was still in the back of my head. It's one of them, you try to shake it, but I've had a few here already. I think the one against Coalville, where I could have put it away. They do linger with you, but as soon as I've hit that one and it's hit the back of the net, it's immediately just felt like a relief, and the pressure's kind of gone. Because obviously, you come into teams like this on loan, and you've got to prove yourself again. Whatever you've done at academy level is forgotten. You've got to show you can do it in the men's game, and I'm happy that I've been able to have the opportunity to show what I can do.
DK: With that save, did you put more venom onto that strike?
NV: I think there was a bit of frustration behind it, because obviously it got blocked, and to be fair, I thought the deflection was going to take it in, but I think as soon as I've got it, I've heard the calls from other players, but there was only really one thing in my mind. I've seen the keeper in one-on-one, and I've just thought, if I get a clean strike off here, it's going to be very hard for him to save it, and fortunately, it went in.
DK: Wrapped off a perfect day for us as well.
NV: Yeah, the boys have been unbelievable. I've seen it first-hand. Obviously, I've come in, sat on the bench for a few games, but I think I'm learning a lot even sitting on the bench here. And they've been unbelievable with bringing me in, and you can see the performances and the direction that the club's going in, and I think the only way is up from here. I think they've set the standard so high now that even when they drop below it, they know it and they can push it back up. I think first half, we weren't as good today, but you can see that there's ability within the team to just bring the level back up and maintain a good standard.
DK: Is that the difference between Academy football and men's football?
NV: Yeah, it's a lot more of a team environment. Obviously, it's more results-driven in the men's game.
I think in Academy football, you've obviously got, you're focusing more on individual performances because you're not going to make it through as a team sort of thing. But it's a good experience to come out here on loan because you're learning what it's actually like to be in a team. Like, you might not play every week, but you've got to be happy for the team and you need to give everything for the team kind of thing. You don't want to be the one holding them back and then everyone's pushing in the same direction. And I think it's shown today. I've come into the team off the bench and I've scored and all the boys are happy for me. So I think that just shows the sort of chemistry that the team's got.
DK: So, obviously, initially your loan was for one month and then it was, it was quickly extended. Did you know much about that?
NV: So, obviously, it was a month to begin with, I did my ankle and I didn't play too much or as much as I wanted because I was still trying to pick up fitness. But I heard about the renewal of the month and I've chosen to renew it because I think there's still a lot more for me to learn here. And this is the right environment for me at this moment in time, and I'm happy to be here. And hopefully I can put on more shows like today and hopefully help the team with more goals, more assists and push towards the promotion that everyone wants.
DK: At the minute, would you like to stay here until the end of the season or is that not on your mind yet?
NV: I think we're taking it one game at a time, really, like one month at a time. It's not to say that I might not be here until the end of the season, but obviously a player of my age, a lot can change in development. A lot of things can come up, but I'm more than happy here right now. And I'm enjoying my football. I'm enjoying the group. And obviously I need to push on to try and get a start and become a staple in this team. And that's only going to come from me. It's not going to come from anyone else. So I've got to put my best foot forward and make sure that I'm giving everything every time I'm here.
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