Player/manager Peter Adeniyi believes he has seen a growing resolve within the squad after we suffered a first league defeat of the season this week, writes James Barrett.
Current Ryman South top goalscorer Tommy Bradford was at it again last Monday as he converted both a free kick and penalty to haul us back from 2-0 down against Chipstead, but a late spot-kick for the visitors spoiled our 100% start to the season.
But, ahead of our trip to Worthing in the FA Cup this weekend, Adeniyi was philosophical about that first loss and the squad’s reaction to it.
“We created enough chances to win two games against Chipstead and they punished us by scoring the three chances we effectively gifted them, so we’ve spoken about our need for consistency at both ends of the pitch,” he said.
“But it’s a true test of character when things don’t go your way and the boys showed great determination to get back from two down and then dominate right until the last kick.
“I can remember their reaction to the loss, they were hurt and all itching to get back out and put things right – that’s a big positive for me.”
Adeniyi also praised his charges discipline against Chipstead as the visitors ended up with six cautions while trying to halt our dominant display.
“Some of the fouls that day were blatant kicks and lashings out, someone could’ve easily got injured,” he recalled.
“During various games this season I’ve heard orders along the lines of ‘get stuck into them’ and we’ll have to deal with that, but hopefully we’ll get fairly protected by the officials too. We just want to get on and play football.”
The trip to Worthing for the FA Cup first qualifying round is on Saturday 3rd September (KO 3pm).