Putting right last week’s wrong

It was important, following last Saturday’s defeat in the capital, that the team bounced back. They did just that, with the 1-0 victory against Newtown AFC at Park Hall.

Craig Harrison said in his pre-match press conference in the week that he demanded a response and that was the first question we asked him on the pitch following the final whistle. Did he get one?

You can watch the interview via our social media channels.

 

Ryan Astles

We had to wait until right at the end of the first period for the deadlock to be broken and it came courtesy of a Ryan Astles header.

The free-kick from the right saw him beat the players around him, as he headed powerfully past Dave Jones and into the back of the net.

The game also marked Henstone Distillery’s sponsorship of the MOTM, which was awarded to the central defender for not only his goal but also his overall contribution to the victory.

 

Chris Marriott

The inch-perfect ball in that saw Astles find the back of the net came from Chris Marriott. Whether a corner or a free-kick, whenever there’s something given on the right then invariably our captain makes his way across the pitch.

Following the game, Marriott was the player we chose for the interview.

The senior player at the club, he leads by example, with his reading of the game second to none. A true inspiration to younger players at Park Hall, his list of honours is impressive yet he still has the hunger for more.

 

A clean sheet

Not only was it crucial to get back to winning ways, but after conceding three goals at Cyncoed Campus last week, registering a clean sheet was also important.

Denying the opponent a goal restores defensive stability which, with just eight games to go, will play a key part in the title challenge.

 

It’s looking good 

How many times have we used that phrase or something similar in the five talking points article? Probably too many to mention.

With a lead of seventeen points at the top and just twenty-four up for grabs, it really is looking good though.

You can rest assured, however, that not one player or member of staff will be taking anything for granted. The only thoughts they will all have will be the next game.

 

Lead image courtesy of Andrew Donnison (@F28online). It was good to see Declan McManus back on the pitch.