GNP SPORTS MANAGER SHAMIR ALAM DISCUSSES HIS TEAM'S 1-1 DRAW WITH AFC SOLIHULL...

SHAM: We will never give up...

"With our last competitive fixture 3 weeks ago we knew a positive and quick start was key to breaking down the AFC Solihull defence, otherwise it would be a long and frustrating day. 

Credit to AFC they came with a game plan to frustrate and put bodies behind the ball, and it worked for large parts of the first-half. When we started to move the ball with pace and our movement was better, they couldn't live with us and it was only a matter of time and when we scored, not if.

As frustrating as it was, AFC had one chance and scored and then sat behind the ball, they defended for their lives and their second-half 5-4-1 system was hard to break down. We tried to find different ways of attacking and never stopped believing. Their back 5 withstood an awful lot of pressure in the second-half but we we never gave up, it's not in our DNA and that was evident with Swinners saving the day in the 95th minute. 

We've managed to win 7 points in the league this season from losing positions and progressed in two rounds in the Challenge Vase after being behind, so the never say die attitude is there for all to see. There are areas we need to work on for sure and we will keep working hard in training to ensure we put those areas right on match days.

M.O.M. against AFC Solihull is awarded to Scotty Hammond, this kid has huge potential and his willingness to learn and improve by listening to myself and our experienced players is helping his game come on massively. Every time he got the ball on Saturday he looked to make something happen and he was unplayable at times, taking on and beating 2 or 3 players. Once we get his positional sense right he will go on a long goalscoring run! 

Finally I wish all my players, Coaches and club members a happy Xmas and the players should be so proud they have remained top of the league for 18 weeks!!!

Yours in football..."

Shamir Alam, Manager, GNP Sports...