Speaking after Saturday’s 4-2 victory over Seaham Red Star, Andy Gowens was understandably delighted that the team had got off to a winning start. “It was really good to get three points in the first game. Everybody wants to get off to good start and we did just that. I thought we started well, we got two good goals but then went to sleep a bit and let them back in it. It was a bit of a poor goal to concede, when two runners weren’t picked up and it gave them a lift and they built of a head of steam for ten minutes. Teams are always going to get their spell in a game, we weathered it and got to half time. We said to the players that we need to look after the ball better, pass and move better, just little bits really. We did that in the second half and I thought 4-2 flattered them a bit, it could easily have been 5 or 6.
“Yes, it was a really good start. The other good thing is there are a lot of players still to come in, there’s competition which is good, and a lot of young lads. There were four on the bench today who are still under 19, so the future looks good.
“The atmosphere is totally different this season, there’s good camaraderie among the players, they gel really well together as a group, and things will only get better as they get fitter. Some still nowhere near top fitness. It’s about the whole squad, and they’ll all get their chance. Looking ahead to the midweek game, he added “Three of them will be back for Wednesday at Stockton, so that just strengthens the squad.”
