GNP SPORTS' MANAGER SHAMIR ALAM REFLECTS ON THE FA VASE DEFEAT @ BOLDMERE ST MICHAEL'S...

I believe that GNP performed well with a few players missing? 

"I’m really proud of the players who gave the club everything they had to offer;, we prepared well and the players believed but hey it wasn’t enough on the day and that’s OK... The DNA of this team is that we very rarely lose and when we have done, we have always hit back, so that will be our focus this week. 

We have a mini injury crisis at the moment with the injury numbers now rising to 7 but I am looking at bringing in a few this week. It’s been difficult because we want players that are going to help improve the team but also fit in with the players we already have." 

What pleased you most about your team’s performance? 

"Work rate and bravery. We worked hard for 90 minutes, we never gave up, we pressed and put our bodies on the line. We tried to play as often as we could but I thought we could have got on the ball more but a Premier side at home are going to make you work for everything." 

Surely, having gone close to scoring yourselves several times, you must take heart that this match was against a Premier League outfit? 

"Yeah that’s true but I don’t want to be that 'nearly team' which gets a pat on the back but has nothing to show for it. We were so so close when hitting the post at 2-1 down, then having a goal disallowed, which was a soft decision also at 2-1 down but really the last two goals were on me... We went 3-4-3 in the last 15 minutes in search of the equaliser and Boldmere just punished us and the space left in and behind, so fair play to them." 

Next up for GNP? 

"We are away to BGS in the Les James Cup. No carrot or extra motivation is needed- we have just lost and conceded 4 goals and we have to bounce back!" 

Which GNP players impressed at Boldmere? 

"Jason Evans again had a superb game to be fair and that’s three on the trot. He’s been overshadowed a bit as Tommy Rawlings and Stu Hendrie before that have been deadly in front of goal. Jason's work rate, pace and ability to turn defence into attack, but also his ability to stop counter attacks are unique. I honestly believe if he can start to add quality and goals to his game, he will take his performances to the next level." 

'Yours in football...'

Shamir Alam, Manager, GNP Sports...