Striker delighted with show of spirit by Reds
Striker Matt Harrold believes last Saturday’s 1-0 win over Cambridge was a triumph for spirit over adversity.
And Matt wants a repeat this weekend when Notts County visit the Checkatrade.com Stadium in Sky Bet League 2.
With three players going back to their parent clubs earlier in the week and four others injured, Manager Mark Yates could only call upon 14 fit outfield players against the U’s.
But Matt’s fifth goal of the season earned Reds their seventh win out of their last eight at home in the League.
“All things considered I think it was our best win of the season,” he said. “It was a solid performance and a win the players really enjoyed.
“It’s been well documented that we didn’t have the best of weeks leading up to the game.
“We couldn’t train on the grass pitches at Ardingly because of the wet weather, and even on the 4G surface we were struggling to get the numbers for an 8 a side game!
“So to win as we did just shows the togetherness and spirit and the group. I don’t think you can ever accuse the players of not giving 100% to the cause.”
Just as welcome from a team point of view as Matt’s goal was a first clean sheet since October.
“That was great for Darryl (Flahavan) and the back four,” added Matt. “I thought George Smith, who only met the boys a couple of hours before the game, had an excellent debut and I don’t remember Darryl having many saves to make at all.”
Matt is also looking forward to playing alongside Lee Barnard in the second half of the season.
Lee created the goal on Saturday and, having briefly played together earlier in their careers at Southend, Matt believes they can compliment each other and form a good partnership.
“Like me last season Lee has had to wait for his chance, but he’s a clever player and we’ve always felt we can do well together. Hopefully we will get that chance now until the end of the season,” added Matt.
Reds are now preparing for the visit of County, who will be under new management following the appointment of former Crystal Palace player Jamie Fullarton as their manager on Sunday.
In three previous visits to West Sussex, County have lost twice and drawn the other and have never scored a goal against us at the Checkatrade.com Stadium.
“They beat us well up at their place and you look at their squad and they have got some good players,” added Matt. “I’m surprised they have struggled a bit but with a new manager it’s a fresh start for them so we need to be at our best again.
“Our home form is good though. We have made this place into a bit of a fortress and the fans are playing their part so long may it continue.”
