Manager Manager Kevin Horlock reflects on yesterday's game.
"We weren't at the races today, but I've got to say they were very good. First half, they were better than us in all departments. They worked harder than us, they looked a threat, they defended solidly, and we were off it, so it was a recipe for disaster and we got exactly what we deserved, which was nothing. In the end, we did well to get zero because we didn't really create a chance. I can't remember too many good moments in the final third. Obviously, the three goals from their point of view, they say it was obviously good goals, but from our point of view, they're so avoidable and that's disappointing. We wanted to progress in the competition. Obviously, we've had a couple of good seasons in it where you end up playing big teams and there's obviously prize money on offer that all non-league clubs like and need. So, yes, I suppose it means we can concentrate on the league, but we'd have liked to have an FA Cup run for those reasons I've just spoke about."
"It wasn't good to watch. I can second that. We obviously tried to make changes. We changed shape to try and affect it and nothing worked today. So, we'll address it on Tuesday. Obviously, we train Tuesday, Thursday, we'll have a look back at it and areas we can improve on and get better so that it doesn't happen again."
On players returning from injuries: "Ingers is obviously just coming back. It was probably a risk I took. He's not too bad, but he can feel his hamstring slightly. Dylan's got quite a big black eye, but he'll be fine. So, other than that, yeah, we're all good."
On Josh Tomlinson's absence: "Yeah, we're just waiting. Obviously, his parents, Club Northampton, are in charge of that. So, yeah, concussion, so (if) it'll be a return to play. So, I don't know. It could be 10 days. I'm not 100% sure on it."
Oxford City away next: "Obviously, our record away from home this season's been a lot better than a home record, obviously. So, yeah, we go there off the back of a couple of good away performances and results. So, we're looking to bounce back and hopefully put this behind us. Obviously, a tough day for us all. We were just off it today. It's alright talking about us and how much we were off it, I think you've got to give them credit. They're a team that's not started too well in their division. But I've watched videos and they've been playing well, but not scoring goals. And today, they have and I think they showed what a good team they are. They moved the ball really well. Their movement was good and they looked a threat, so we do need to improve. We should have made it a bit more personal and got closer and tighter and possibly worked a bit harder. But off the back of it, I think I'd give them a little bit of credit as well, sometimes you've got to hold your hands up in football and say they were better.
Defender and MOTM Dan Morphew reflects on yesterday's game.
"It was a tough, tough, tough game. Not the result we obviously hoped for, but you live and you learn, I think it's sort of the best approach. We can use it to get better and that's all we can do today, I think. Take away what we need to learn from it and improve, come back next week.
"We've been fortunate the last couple of years. We've had good cup runs. It's been a while since we've been knocked out in the first round, but they are normally good additions on to the season, but it means we can concentrate on the league, take the silver linings where they are, if they are any, so focus on the league and put our energy into getting results in the league now. I think for us this year, every game is going to be a big game, every game is an opportunity to show what we can do, prove ourselves and prove ourselves worthy at this level, which I think we are. And I think we look forward to every week, look forward to every game. Like I say, another opportunity to prove what sort of team we can be on our day."
"I think we've played better than the points on the board reflect, I think, definitely throughout the first lot of eight games, I think that's true. And I think, yeah, there's more to come from us still as well. I think we can get much better as well.
"So, yeah, plenty to look forward to and sort of, yeah, work on as we move forward for the coming weeks."
On having more squad depth this season: "Yeah, I think that's one of the differences between this year and last year. You know, we've got players on the bench who can sort of compete for starting positions. You know, we'll have, I'm sure, will be competition for places after today. Next week, you know, there'll be people on the bench who are itching to start and be thinking they should start after today. So, yeah, I look forward to that competition and, you know, it keeps everyone, keeps everyone sharp as it sharpens us a little bit. So competition in the squad is a good thing. And it sort of keeps everyone on their toes and keeps everyone pushing forward and working hard as the season goes on."
On the most disappointing part of today: "I think there's not this one thing in particular, but, you know, as a team, it's 11 v 11. And I think, you know, you've got to win your individual battles all over the pitch. And I think we didn't do that enough today. You know, every game you go out, it's 11 v 11. It's 11 men v 11 men. And you just have to outwork your opposite number, and I think when you don't do that, you tend to lose games. And I think that's what happened today."
No comments:
Post a Comment