MANAGER PREVIEW: Grainger talks Prescot trip
Reds first-team manager Danny Grainger says his side will need to be at their best to pick up a result at Prescot Cables tomorrow.
Following a defeat at Ramsbottom United on Saturday, Reds sit second in the table for the first time this season.
However, they got back to winning ways on Tuesday in the Cumberland Cup.
Nathan Waterston hit a hat-rick against Keswick to send his teammates into the final four as a string starting XI was fielded.
“The team that we picked was decided at the beginning of the last week so it wasn’t a team we picked after Saturday,” Grainger revealed.
“It was a team which showed Keswick the respect they deserve.
“The lads turned up and their attitude was great.”
Also, the manager believed he ‘definitely’ got a reaction from players who had played in both matches.
“I think, at the end of January, you can take it as 90 minutes of an off-day.
“I’ll take that, it happens. I was delighted with the reaction we got from the lads on Tuesday.
“The boys that were involved, we discussions just prior the match about the Ramsbottom game but now we’ve brushed it under the carpet and ready for a tough test of Saturday.”
Reds put Cables to the sword last month, winning 4-0. However, the game was in the balance until a moment of madness.
In the 64th minute, Prescot substitute Lloyd Dean was sent off at 0-0, which changed the course of the game.
On what to expect at the IP Truck Parts Stadium, Grainger explained: “Similar to what they were like when they came to us.
“We know they’re going to be organised, fight for every ball and we need to be at our best with and without the ball to pick up a result.”
The boss told BBC Radio Cumbria post-match on Tuesday how Reds will have to scrap for points at times rather than being pleasing on the eye, and Grainger elaborated.
“That’s something we need to learn,” he revealed.
“We are a good footballing team but we know we’re gonna have to fight and scrap for some of the points we need over the next few weeks.”
Conor Tinnion has been suffering a niggling injury recently and his gaffer had an update, saying: “He seems to have come through it now – fingers crossed.
“It’s probably only Charlie [Bowman] and Ash [Kelly] who are going to miss Saturday.”
Millenic Alli has returned on loan until the end of the season and Grainger is hoping for more movement either this week or into next.
“We’re still looking to strengthen.
“Obviously, losing Chaz to injury is disappointing so we need to add competition for places in the right areas.”
Kick-off tomorrow at Prescot is 3pm.
