Grainger: I want to win all three competitions
Reds first team manager Danny Grainger has declared his desire to be victorious in all three competitions that his team remain in ahead of tonight’s Integro League Cup clash at home to Mossley – pitch inspection permitting.
Following Saturday’s 2-4 at Ossett United, Grainger’s men are looking to advance in a competition where the pressure of the league won’t be pushing them at Borough Park.
“It’s a game the lads will be going into with confidence,” he said.
“it’s only been one loss in a few months now after Farsley Celtic, so the lads are in good spirits.”
Mossley handed Reds their first league setback of the campaign back in September – one of only four defeats this season in all competitions – and the last time Reds played at Borough Park, they were narrowly beaten by Conference North side Farsley in the Buildbase FA Trophy.
However, still in a trio of tournaments, the boss has his sights set on maintaining that number.
“We’re going into it in three different competitions and I want to win them all,” Grainger stated.
“We’ll be making changes and I’ll want to have a look at a couple of younger lads to see if they’re ready for the first team.
“We want to get a result for the club and the squad’s looking good with the likes of Taylor [Charters] coming in and Brad being back.”
At the weekend, Brad Carroll returned to the squad following his lengthy lay-off to score a wonder goal, and despite a fresh injury concern, the Reds roster is looking healthy.
“We’ve lost Ash Kelly for a little while but we’re over the moon with how the numbers are and we’re going to need every single player over this busy Christmas period.”
Rotation is expected tonight and although the temptation is to focus on getting revenge against the Ashton-under-Lyne-based outfit, Grainger revealed his differing approach, saying: “We go into every game with a respect for every team you play. But I’m more worried about what we do.
“If we apply ourselves, we can get through.
“Cup competitions are good in that sometimes it doesn’t matter about the performances as long as you get the result.
“As long as we’re still in the hat, we’ll be happy.”
Attendances have been another positive for the club this term, and the manager has a message for anyone contemplating coming to Borough Park tonight or over the festive period.
“Come and support us, get behind us,” he pleaded.
“We’re starting to relate to the supporters and the players are buying into the club; they wear the shirt with pride.
“We want to make the town proud and do well in every competition. The travelling fans on Saturday were amazing and there’s busy period coming up.
“If anyone’s stuck at a loose end, enjoy an experience of watching the Reds play.”
Kick-off tonight, if the playing surface is passed, is 7:45pm.
