‘Relief’ the overriding factor for GT as Town clinch second league win
Graham Turner reflected positively on a solid performance after a comfortable 2-0 victory over Gillingham at the Greenhous Meadow.
Joe Jacobson nodded home a corner in the first-half to put Town well on the way to three points and debutant substitute Liam McAlinden calmly stroked home nine minutes from time to put the results beyond doubt.
“It’s a relief, especially when he put six minutes up at the end and with our record of conceding late goals, so it was a massive relief when that final whistle went,” said Turner.
“I thought we played well, I thought with the ball we were very lively, we might have had one or two more goals but we had to defend solidly.
“They had one clear cut chance very late on but, in the end, they’re a difficult side to play against with their power and play. I think the majority of the game we dealt with it ok.
“It’s a great result for us. The season so far could’ve been so much better but for the goals we’ve conceded late on, but we just hope that’s a start to kick on today.”
Clean sheets and set piece goals are areas GT highlighted for improvement and the gaffer was delighted that both were achieved thanks to Jacobson’s header and a rock solid back-line.
“It’s about time we started scoring from set pieces. Each person has a job to do and we have some power in the air so it’s not before time, but it was nice to see it go in.
“A clean sheet is perhaps long overdue. The two lads came in during the close season and I thought that might’ve been the pairing we’d go with more often that not providing they were fit and free from suspension. It’s the first time I’ve had the opportunity to play them together and the clean sheet is something they would welcome.”
The victory is just Town’s second of the season and GT now hopes the win can act as a springboard for other positive results now that he has a fuller squad and a number of attacking options.
“It’s a lovely headache to have to have a number of good strikers and it’s one I’ve not had the chance to have all season.
“It’s a smashing situation for us to be in with Tom doing well and being in amongst the goals and obviously with the two new lads coming in and John Marsden now back fit.
“You always hope that you can kick start the season with something like this, but it’s a big challenge next week. It’s a fresh challenge at Peterborough and they’re going ever so well, I think they’ve now won five on the trot, there lies the challenge for us.
“I think we’ve always done better against the sides who like to pass it. We’re more equipped to deal with that, but it will be an interesting game next week and after the result here, its one we can look forward to.”
Watch the full interview with GT on SHREWS PLAYER