GNP SPORTS' MANAGER SHAMIR ALAM COMMENTS ON HIS TEAM'S 1-0 WIN v NORTHFIELD TOWN...

A rare narrow victory for GNP, so how would you assess Northfield’s approach and performance?

"I had watched them a few times in pre-season and recently in the league because they are a good side. They are well drilled, it will be hard to score goals against them and in this league that’s half the battle. Whilst we had a handful of players not at their best yesterday we were still Northfield's toughest game to date." 

Another strike for Hendrie, so are you pleased with his overall form and fitness?

"The chance which he capitalised upon takes him to 5 for the season; he’s settled greatly and with no fitness issues after a lengthy lay-off due to injury last season." 

The defence must have pleased you. Any standout players at the back or was it a group effort?

"The whole team played a part yesterday, the pressing from the front players was better compared to recent games, the midfield kept the ball better which helped give the defence some respite. With Dykey, Swinners, Rhys and Bryson tactically we’re better, they defended with their brains and 'keeper Wardle saved the game for us late late on!" 

Man of the Match from the Northfield game and your reasons?

"Rhys Lyons... I thought he was the standout performer, again a new player that had settled in OK, but for his own standards he’s not been happy with his recent performances. It had been bugging him all week and it was pleasing to see him play with confidence. The goal was scored from a great counter-attack and a powerful run from Rhys which started in our own box and finished in the opposition box which led to Stu tapping in the cross after a 'keeper's error. I’m hoping this is just the start for Rhys and he can follow up with another performance and then another, and continue to work on his game! 

For us to be successful this season the centre-backs need to start scoring; we only have one goal from Jin so far, so the challenge is for the whole back unit to start chipping in with goals as well as doing everything they can to ensure getting clean sheets becomes a habit." 

Falcons netted more goals again yesterday and so it looks good for last year’s Division 3 pair... Your thoughts? 

"Honestly I don’t think they have the mentality needed to remain top of the league; Northfield, Redditch and Fairfield Villa all do but Boldmere don’t. They have had a great start but do I think they can maintain it and deal with the pressure of teams raising it when they play them and having to look over their shoulder each week? No. A lot of managers know that if you stop Reece Gibson, Boldmere struggle."

Alvis away on Monday: your preview? 

"It’s another game where there are three cherries up for grabs and that’s how we will be approaching it. It’s probably more of a derby game for Alvis than us because we just want the 3 points..."

'Yours in football...'

Shamir Alam, Manager, GNP SPORTS...