GNP SPORTS' MANAGER SHAMIR ALAM WRITES ABOUT HIS TEAM'S LATEST GAME v SHIPSTON EXCELSIOR & PREVIEWS SATURDAY'S MATCH AT ALCESTER TOWN...

SHAM: KEEPING A CLOSE EYE ON THE DRINKS...

A solid 3 point haul yesterday against a team which had won at FC Stratford a few days earlier, Sham.... Your thoughts? 

"We expected the game would be a tough one, not only because of their result in midweek but also it was only a few weeks ago when we put 8 past them. Shipston are certainly still one of the 8 teams in with a really good chance of getting promoted." 

Was the performance effective, sparkling, or might you describe it as having been something different? 

"At this stage of the season all that matters is the result; the performance wasn’t to the standard we have set ourselves but that says more about the players' mind-set and mentality- walking away with 3 points, 4 goals scored and a clean sheet, yet they still know there are things we could have done better." 

Did your new goalie play yesterday? What was your thought process when signing him?

"Yeah, Wardle played for the first time in 3-4 months and made some crucial reaction saves, so a happy debut for him and he will only get better with training and being around the boys. Paul Lawrence suffered an injury against Birmingham Tigers and I was made aware that Wardle was finally interested in joining, so I’m pleased to have two top 'keepers at the club." 

Scott Hammond netted again yesterday, so does he continue to impress you? 

"That’s now 11 goals in 13 starts for Hammond and since the FC Stratford game he has kicked on and taken on feedback and he’s now far more effective for us. Work still needs to be done on the defending side of his game and once he gets that right he will impress me even more." 

Alcester away on Saturday and they lie handily near the top of the group. How do you see the game panning out? 

"It’s going to be a tough game for they have only lost one game at home and that was on the opening weekend of the season, so we know what’s in store for us. They have to beat us if they want to stand any chance of promotion, so let’s see how 'attacking' they are really brave enough to be!" 

I believe there was some 'chatter' after their draw at your place, so how will you make sure that the spat doesn’t take over from the football on the day? 

"All I’m focused on is winning the game. If their manager decides to play the local lads, not getting paid, who have been there from the start of the season then we know we have to be prepared for players that care about their club and will show passion and won’t give up until the final whistle. If he decides to play the lads he has signed from the higher leagues, getting paid and only at his club for the final part of the season, we have to be prepared for the quality they will have. We will be ready regardless."

Next up after Alcester?

"We have Boldmere at home, another tough game in March..." 

O'GRADY: PERFORMING WELL...

Who was voted GNP's Man Of The Match?

"Hard to look past O’Grady: 2 starts, 3 goals, 2 assists isn’t bad is it? But let’s be honest, it’s the first time he’s played 90 minutes for two consecutive games since well before Xmas, so he will only go from strength to strength when his body gets used to that burning sensation in his lungs and legs. He’s been set a goal tally he needs to go and achieve and he’s well on his way to doing that! I know he’s disappointed by not getting a hat-trick yesterday; he had enough chances, so let’s hope he takes that motivation into the next game. 

I don’t think many people who know him would associate him with tackles and tactical fouls and we saw a glimpse of that yesterday; clearly he’s enjoying his football again, so it’s my job to ensure that continues now... 

Yours in football..."

Sham Alam, Manager, GNP Sports...