GNP SPORTS' MANAGER SHAMIR ALAM WRITES ABOUT HIS TEAM'S 6-3 WIN v FAIRFIELD VILLA...

Fairfield Villa match overview?

"The league had previewed this fixture as the standout game for the weekend and it certainly was that. We had a much better start to the game compared to Wednesday. We played some fantastic football at times, the goals scored are evidence of that but we need to close that back door and it’s criminal to be conceding 3 goals at home. I hope my players understand what a big result that was, as Fairfield Villa will be a top 4 side this year and I would be surprised if anyone else can score 6 past them!" 

Rawlings, Hendrie & Knight? 

"I’ve said before that I have the best 4/5 strikers at my disposal, not forgetting Tyler & Beefy who are both injured. Tommy and Stu were unplayable in the first-half; I don’t think we got the ball to them as often and with quality as we should have, but it was only their second game together and already it looks a scary partnership. Both of them can and need to be better at their pressing but the rest of the team need to understand the triggers and support them. Then there’s Knighty... He’s been away for a couple of weeks and it’s devestated him being away. I’m happy for him to have got his goal, which ensured the game was out of sight." 

RAWLINGS & HENDRIE: SUCH THREATS...

Defence after the break? 

"I think some credit has to go to Fairfield, they had nothing to lose and would have been hurting to be 4-1 down at half-time in such an early season big game. We know where we need to be better and we will start working on that this week." 

BEACH HAS MADE IT 4-1...

Your goalie?

"Scotty is only 18 and it was a fantastic debut for him. He made some really crucial saves and that will give him the world of confidence. He will only get better working with Lee and it’s great to have two 'keepers fighting for the number 1 shirt." 

Charlie Cook?

"Charlie has had a much better start to the season in terms of his work rate and tactically executing what the team needs. I know the fact that he hadn’t scored yet was playing on his mind but if he can combine the hard work and his finishing ability then he’s in for a good season." 

BARISTAMAN, CHARLIE COOK...

The referee? 

"He was a joke; the worst I have seen! The less said the better..." 

Fairfield's performance and & your 'man of the match'?

"As mentioned before, Fairfield are a top 4 side and we made them look average at times. They started a mini fight-back which had us on the ropes in the second-half but we dug deep and made they game safe on the counter. We have always been a great counter-attacking team but now I want us to develop into a team that controls the ball and the game. We have been working on it all summer, so I’m disappointed that it hasn’t caught on as quickly as our pressing but we will continue working on it until we get it right! 

COREY BROOKES: CAUTIONED...

Corey was M.O.M.; there isn’t a harder working player in our league but what’s really impressed me with him is his maturity, his leadership and he’s now using the ball better. Corey of old would have just run through the middle of teams and used his power and strength but now that he’s letting the ball do more damage he’s showing he can do everything. I want to get him higher up the pitch and he knows I’ve challenged him to get more assists and goals this year. Corey sets the standard for work rate and is very important to how we want to play!"

Yours in football...

Shamir Alam, manager, GNP Sports...