THE GNP SPORTS MANAGER SHAMIR ALAM REFLECTS ON HIS TEAM'S LAST THREE LEAGUE MATCHES...

A defeat, then a draw in the league and so you must have been pleased to win v Alvis?

"It certainly wasn’t pretty and fair to say that Alvis deserved something from the game. However, luckily for us we managed to end the 90 minutes with the 3 points. After not winning in 3 it was always important firstly to get the win but we would have liked a better performance. Credit to Alvis though, they didn’t allow us to get into any rhythm." 

Can you pinpoint any reasons for the team’s apparent loss of form?

"It’s been a bit stop-start this month with games called off and the Christmas period, however the players are working hard to be good at the basics and we are confident good performances will follow." 

What has disappointed you most during the last three league games?

"I don’t think we have been as brave on the ball as we normally are, there’s no denying confidence has been low since we lost to Fairfield Villa but the players are trying and it’s down to the coaches to get us playing the way we were in November." 

Compton has returned, so are there any plans to enter the transfer system again? 

"We have made 3 signings of late: Matty and Stoute have rejoined from Alvis and Konnor Franklin, a local striker, has joined us as we enter a busy period." 

Your assessment of Fairfield, Lane Head and Alvis? 

"Fairfield destroyed us and were well worth their 3 points; it was the heaviest defeat we have suffered since we formed and if it hadn't been for our 'keeper and some last ditch defending, it could have been worse. A very dangerous side at home! 

Lane Head seem to be that one team we have struggled against, the game didn’t spark into life really and it was a bit stop-start. We were lucky not to go a goal down when Wardle saved their penalty and although we did have 2 or 3 good chances, a draw was a fair result. 

As mentioned previously, Alvis should have got something out the game yesterday but we took the 3 points home and now look forward to our semi-final next Saturday." 

Thoughts about your January fixtures?

"Exciting... These are the games we want to be involved in at our level. A semi-final game and three league matches against our closest rivals. The most important game is the next one and that’s Earslwood at home..." 

Yours in football...

Shamir Alam, Manager, GNP Sports...