To the North Star supporters
I hope you all got to see last nights game, as it was a huge step forward for this team. We’ve been guilty this season of being entertaining without having the concentration needed to be consistent. Well last night we took a giant leap forward in that regard, with a close game managed well and finally a clean sheet. I’m delighted for Connor Jones on return and the back 4 who truth be told have deserved one for a while now.
As for the game itself, I think we well and truly deserved the 3 points and played a more complete game that we have previously. We created chances and played attacking football, but reacted well when we lost the ball and worked tirelessly in that area as well. We showed a style of football I’ve been hoping we will become known for as time goes on and probably could have had several more goals. The huge positive for me was seeing how together the squad looked. They defended in numbers, backed each other, stuck up for one another when they were being singled out and not did they celebrate the 2nd goal as a team!
I’d like to make special mention of my bench last night as well. I have done my best to give everyone game time, but last night just wasn’t the game for big changes. To see the guys sat behind me, who are all fantastic players, doing what they could to support and help and focusing solely on the result was another forward step for us. As a coach I like to look for certain markers throughout the season to judge progression, a unified squad is a big one.
On the pitch I’d like to recognize the outstanding performance of Jack Gibson. An 18 year old playing central midfield and being pushed hard by me, doing so with a level of maturity far beyond his age. Also special shout out to the back 4. Aiden Cathcart has fit in so well since joining and partners Nathan Baker so well. They’ve become such a good pair. Cheyne Moodley and captain Rhys West at fullback also rock solid last night and joined the attack really well. On top of that a first goal of the season for Isaac Colgrave and 4th in 6 for Kevin Chan is pleasing as well.
I really hope as many of you as possible can get out on Friday night and cheer the lads on as we make the short trip to Grange. They edged us in a close one by taking the lead and disrupting play as much as they could a few weeks back. I’m really hopeful we’ve learned that lesson and can take the game to them this time. This team has all the tools to play against anyone, I for one cannot wait for the next game.
Cheers,
Lee Cunningham