Co-manager Paul Bowyer gives his thoughts ahead of the midweek visit of Chasetown to Townfield and reviews a positive performance away to Stalybridge a week earlier.
1874 gave managers Wayne Goodison and Paul Bowyer a positive reaction they were looking for last Tuesday at Bower Fold against promotion favourites Stalybridge Celtic.
“I thought we were much more like us on Tuesday. Good on the ball and more importantly we were solid defensively. We really should have scored but the pleasing thing is we created chances and kept a clean sheet. Although we dominated large parts of the game we also had to hold firm towards the end and we did so. ”
“The result at Stalybridge gave everyone confidence and shows that on our day we’re capable of competing with every club in the league.” Bowyer added.
Moving on to the visit of Chasetown, Bowyer expects a physical battle with a side who should be challenging for promotion:
“We’ve done our homework on Chasetown as usual and I’d expect them to be right up there at the end of the season. They’re a physical side who like to get the ball forward and play on the front foot. It’s important we deal with their aerial threat and take our chances when they come our way.”
1874 will be without Gabriel Mooney Munoz and Sam Adetiloye who are both unavailable for the game.
Giving a chance to other members of the squad to impress, including Jamal Crawford who returned to the club on Monday, here’s what Paul had to say about the forwards return:
“We’re pleased to have Jamal back. Hes trained well on Thursday and Saturday, he looks good. Obviously he’s not had as much game time as he’d like this season but he’ll boost our attacking options and the good thing is he knows how we play and we know Jamal’s strengths. We didn’t want Jamal to leave last season so it’s great to have him back.”
Finally, Bowyer stressed how the size of the task ahead for the Greens in the next week:
“We’re going into an important week now with three games in the space of 6 days against some very good teams. We’ll know more about the squad of players and it’s important we perform in our home games and pick up some points. The support as always will help to spur the lads on so we need you to be loud from the first whistle on Tuesday”