GNP SPORTS' 1-3 WIN @ COTON GREEN: MANAGER SHAM ALAM'S VIEWS...

Sham's assessment of how the afternoon went, generally:

"We got the win, which is the most important thing; however I don’t think we played anywhere near the capability of what this team possesses. I put that down to first game nerves and the fact we had nine debutants in the squad and five of them started. We will get it right in possession, we have to, but it will take time. Winning ugly was certainly a good sign!" 

New guys made their debuts today and Sham explains how they performed: 

"All performed well without the ball: Kev, Dyke, Rhys, Tyler and Stu all made starts and Beachy, Parry, Toz and Virk were also part of the squad. We are a new look side, a side that needed revamping in the summer, so it is going to be scary when we get it right together." 

Stu Hendrie's influence? 

"Everything I brought him to the club to do: goals, quality on the ball and experience leading the line were needed and shown. I have the best strike force in the MFL, there’s not a team that has the quality, pace, intelligence and ruthlessness that Stu, Knighty, Rawlings, Tyler and Charlie have. Stu was M.O.M. yesterday, an easy choice and opposition defenders need to be at their very best to stop him, or in Coton's case, try and smash him every time he got the ball." 

Coton Green? 

"They were rash in their tackles and late, and probably should have had at least one player sent off. I think they got away with it as the referee was being assessed. Surprisingly, on their nice pitch, they used very long balls but after a few adjustments we nullified it during the second-half. 

It was also quite interesting to see some post-match comments from their camp that they were unlucky to lose but maybe our lack of playing experience at this level is the reason why I thought they were average and if they had any chance of beating us, they had to do it in the opening week. However, we have to be used to everyone raising their game against us and Coton Green won’t play to those levels week in and week out, that's for sure!"

Absentees might affect GNP on Wednesday v Redditch Borough, so Sham explains: 

"Due to the physical nature of yesterday's game we have two players who will miss Wednesday but we will try get them ready for Saturday. We still have two long-term injuries and have a couple missing due to work, but no excuses we are at home and will give our best. 

Redditch Borough had the result of the opening week, an impressive 4-0 victory; they are big, physical and direct and they are certainly going for it this year, despite finishing in the bottom three and only winning seven out of twenty-nine last term. I read their manager's comments a few days ago, so we need to be at our best on Wednesday..." 

'Yours in football...'

Shamir Alam, manager, GNP Sports...