Graham Turner's thoughts after the 4-1 win over Coventry City
By Matt Johnson
Two goals in each half for Town left manager Graham Turner beaming from ear to ear as his rejuvenated side thrashed Coventry City 4-1 at the Greenhous Meadow.
After losing out at home for the first time in 18 months to Scunthorpe on Saturday, Turner was looking for an immediate reaction from his squad and he got just that with goals from Darren Jones, Marvin Morgan and a double from Matt Richards capping a memorable night in the Shropshire countryside.
“I think it was a good performance,” said Turner. “We got off to the start that we wanted and that calmed the nerves a little bit, but it was chalk and cheese from Saturday.
“We worked a lot harder, were a lot more composed on the ball and always looked a threat in behind Coventry, so it’s been a good night’s work and what’s pleasing is the reaction to the defeat from Saturday.
“We passed the ball well and found some good positions; I think suddenly there was a sense of urgency that came off for us. Obviously after the setback of the unbeaten run here coming to an end against Scunthorpe, the only way you can react is by doing what we’ve done tonight. I’ve got to be absolutely delighted with how the players have approached it, scoring the early goal and then controlling it from there.”
The Town boss made no fewer than four changes to the line-up that started the defeat to The Iron and was impressed with the impact of those coming into the side, but he saved particular appraisal for Marvin Morgan who had retained his place in the starting XI and contributed heavily to the result.
“I just felt that some of the players have worked very hard in training and deserved their opportunity, and with the lacklustre performance on Saturday, if their were ever going to be changes, then it was today for the players who have been waiting in the wings. We went with it, and I think they all contributed. I thought Aaron Wildig did well in there, Terry obviously returned, Joe Jacobson did ok and it was a good performance from Michael Hector.
“Marvin had a tremendous night tonight. I thought he worked very, very hard for the cause. It wasn’t only when he’s got an opportunity of scoring – when the opposition had it he worked tremendously hard. When you talk about leading from the front, and defending from the front, he and Terry did just that.”
It seemed as if goals had been relatively hard to come by for Town in League One, and Turner bluntly stated his intention to recruit a new striker, but he also insisted lady luck hadn’t been on their side in previous matches, but they instead made the most of the opportunities against Coventry.
“I think with the exception of Saturday’s performance, the majority of the games we’ve played quite well and probably deserve more points on the board than we’ve actually got, but tonight the goals went in for us. Sheff United, Stevenage and Tranmere here are examples. Tranmere are top of the league and we could’ve murdered them!
“Yes [looking for a striker]. I think we need strengthening in a couple of positions, but we’ll have to see what the outcome is of the remainder of this week and we’ve got an interesting day tomorrow [with the tribunal].
“We’ll put out our case, Swindon will put their case, the committee will make a decision, and both sides will walk away unhappy – I think that’s how it works!”