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Sunday, March 08, 2020

A Lot Better Than York Said Gowling


Hereford FC interim manager Josh Gowling felt yesterday's performance at Farsley was better than at York last Tuesday.

The Bulls won 2-1 yesterday after a 4-1 win at York.

"It was a really good performance," said Gowling.

"It didn't seem like it but a lot better than York.

"It was just the resilance of the boys and conditions and after the York game it was really important to keep our focus and concentration and I feel we did that really well."

Hereford created a number of chances, two of which went in, but the strong wind didn't help.

"I think they struggled with those balls in behind. I think Lennie had the ball with Kelsey working off him and then when we've loaded it in the box Toe has come in with a good finish.

"With the second one Lennie has got himself in an area and they didn't pick him up and he's so unselfish just to knock it back and a tap in for Kelsey. I thought first half we could have got a few more."

Farsley scored after the referee had awarded a free kick when he felt Jacob Jagger Cane fouled one of the Farsley players.

"He gave some decisions where you were not really sure but you would take a 2-1 away at Farsley, they are 9th in the table pushing for the play-offs and we've come here and beat them on their own patch.

"They were going to have a spell in the game when they were on top but we stayed strong and that's a real positive thing.

"I think when you play at tempo especially at this level, it creates opportunities for players and the gaps are there so people run into them. Even someone like Toe today, Lennie is holding the ball up, Kelsey coming into the pocket and Toe is making the runs in behind and it just opens up those spaces.

"The lads were creating those today, especially first half, the movement was excellent and the lads really did well."

Supporters have not seen play like that for months.

"I was playing when it was a bit long, may be that was the problem!

"I understand the strengths of the squad, I understand the strengths of the players and what they are good at and what they are not good at. The pleasing thing today is that it was difficult conditions to play football on so we had to mix it up a little bit and we were resiliant enough and hard-working enough to do that and match them at their own game and be better at it than them and that's pleasing."

Demetri Brown was named on the bench but didn't feature.

"When he came we knew he had a little ankle problem. He trained on Thursday and looked great in training so we put him on the bench today but he just struck one and I think he went over a little bit. 

"He's not far but we just thought we'll protect him a little bit. Coming away from home on a pitch like this we didn't really want him running and going over on it as he could be out for a good few weeks but he'll be ready soon so the fans will see him."

However, given the likely state of the pitch at Kettering, it might not be on Tuesday?

"Tuesday is not far away, that might be a bit too soon. I'll probably want him to do another training session or so before he gets back in the squad."

Given two away wins on the bounce, it would be good to make it three at Kettering.

"We'll have a look at it, see how the lads are feeling. a few are feeling a bit heavy-legged. The York game was great, the pitch was great but it was still heavy and then today's has been heavy.

"So if we have to make some changes then we will but there are players chomping at the bit to come in and play and I've got faith in every single player in this squad so if they come in I know they will do a job."