“I thought we were brilliant”

Joint manager Tony Fawcett was thrilled with the team’s performance in their giant killing 3-2 victory over Witton Albion. “I thought we were brilliant. I really enjoyed the game. We spoke before the game about just making memories and things like that under the floodlights and playing teams from higher up in the FA Cup. They’ve gone and done that and whatever happens this season they’ve got a memory that’ll last with them for a long time. To be honest, we were all disappointed with Saturday, the players, the fans, everyone, and I don’t think it was going to take much for us to be up for tonight. We needed to prove that we’re a better team than what we showed on Saturday, so it wasn’t really a massive secret it was just a matter of ‘let’s go and do a job’. It helps to have a start like that, it really helps. It was a great goal in the first three minutes, but I was disappointed to concede so soon after, I don’t think it was a foul, I really don’t but boy did that lad hit it! It was something special!

“I think we controlled large periods of the game the first half. I thought we looked after the ball really well. There were some long spells where we played some really good football. We drew them in and played through them. We looked really dangerous first half going forward and then as the game went on in the second half we really should have gone 4-1 up, not just 3-1. We were comfortable at 3-1 and probably should have gone 4 or even 5-1. After they scored it was nervy last few minutes. We asked how long was left and they said 5 minutes (stoppage time). It was the longest five minutes in the world, we just couldn’t watch the game, but the lads deserve the credit. They’ve been together, really worked hard, were really organised, so good on them. We’re really proud of them.

There were several changes to the starting eleven from Saturday and Fawcett explained the thinking of the management team. “We freshened it up. This was our third game in six days and it’s important that we use the players in our squad. They’re there for a reason. In terms of the season as a whole you need a squad. It’s no good having just 16/17 players. We need a squad that’s competitive and they’re all close, they all get on so it’s a good squad. They’re all good enough to play, that’s what they’re here for. They’ve got to wait for their chance sometimes and when they’re in they’ve got to go and take that chance. They’ve definitely taken it tonight, so we’re really proud of them and for the club as a whole. I’m chuffed for the fans because of Saturday. I was really disappointed for them and so it was nice to put on a performance where the fans go away a lot happier. They’ve seen more of our true colours I guess. Overall I’m really, really pleased. As for the next round, a home game if possible, a big one for the fans. We’ll enjoy tonight then we’ll get back on planning for Saturday.”