The Mowdog questioned the GNP Sports Manager Sham Alam about his team's win v Birmingham Tigers and other issues...
The Tigers made you fight at their place early in the season. How was the game different this time?
"Make no mistake they made us fight this time also and if it hadn’t been for the two late goals in the first-half, the half-time team-talk would have been a lot different. I’m always pushing the players to improve as individuals and in their units and despite the early goal, the rest of the first-half lacked intensity and quality. With that said, like Tuesday we scored goals at important times again, early in the first-half, late in the first-half and early in second-half."
How did new signing Josh O’Grady fit in?
"A goal, two assists and winning a penalty wasn’t a bad start at all. He linked up the play fantastically and his quality was there for all to see and this is someone who hasn’t played 90 minutes in months... Give it a few weeks and the league will see what he’s capable off. He fitted in very well and I knew when signing him that there wouldn’t be any issues from him or the lads. We are all after the same goal and that’s winning. It’s the outside world that has the problem, currently..."
Were any of the goals special?
"There were some fantastic goals scored and it’s been a long time coming if I’m honest; Scotty Hammond's and O’Grady's would arguably challenge the best of the goals we have scored this season and there was a neat finish from Charlie Cook also."
Ajax lost at Bartestree, so what do you know about them?
"I know they play 4-5-1 and look to play from the back and keep the ball as often as possible. We have them back to back in April, making for an exciting pair of games, as so many of our players know their players and I’m sure vice-versa, so they should be a good couple of encounters. If we can contain their tricky winger, we will nullify their one attacking threat and we will see if they can deal with the attacking options we have, which come from every position on the pitch. I also know the Bartestree match was their first real test of the season and they fell short..."
Will you use more squad players on Saturday, if the game is on, or simply go for the win?
"We have so much quality in our side that it doesn’t matter who I select... There were changes made before Tuesday's game and we scored 4 away from home; there were changes made on Saturday and we scored 7 at home, so we will be going to win first and foremost and if we can remain relentless I’m sure we can increase our goals tally and look to get another clean sheet."
How does O’Grady stand with playing in the Cup Final?
"O'Grady and Price are available..."
Are you still involved in any other cup competitions?
"No, unfortunately so it’s just the double we are eyeing for this season."
Who impressed in your team on Saturday and who scored the goals?
"As mentioned above, O' Grady had a great debut and I will continue to push him so that he gives me his best each week but all the lads are forever giving me a headache with team selection. M.O.T.M. however was Nathan Stoute, 3 goals in 3 games and a 45 minute clean sheet as goalie sums him up. He will do a job in goals, in defence and up top and give a 7 or 8 out of 10 performance most weeks. We are so lucky to have a versatile player like him in the team.
Been a great week for Nathan!
Yours in football..."
Shamir Alam, the GNP Sports Manager...
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