News Article

“Taken his chance”

31/08/2019

Sam Smith says that he’s ‘taken his chance’ after returning from injury to help Reds make it a perfect start in the Northern Premier League.

The centre-back, who picked up an injury towards the end of pre-season, has earned plaudits for his performances since coming back into the team and spoke following the 0-1 win at City of Liverpool.

Coming back in for the last two, it’s been good; especially keeping a clean sheet.
Credit to all the lads, we worked from the front. Trying to stop them putting the ball into our box is key for us. I feel like we sort of stepped off that in the last 10 minutes, which is where they found a bit of joy.
We put in an absolute shift again, and deserved it.
Smith said post-match.

A new-look defence has only conceded two goals in the opening four league games, and Smith has been impressed with how the back line has gelled.

Obviously, we’ve had Robbie Hebson in for two games who was brilliant, Gaz started the season, did well and then I’ve come in.
Goose [Dan Wordsworth] and I have a good partnership, we know each other well. Brock’s come in at left black and been brilliant in every game.
At training, we’ve all been putting it in and everyone’s getting to know each other and the new lads are really starting to click in.

Now having cemented his place, the defender believes that he’s taken his opportunity and says that he’s ‘feeling good.’

I got the majority of pre-season in and I felt the way Danny wants us to play suited my style, bringing it out from the back.
Obviously, the injury I picked up was a bit of a sickener. There’s nothing you can do, you just have to support the lads and take your chance when it comes.
Lucky enough, I got an opportunity given to me, maybe a bit earlier than expected but I felt good and felt like I’ve taken my chance, the physios here have really helped me as well.

Colne visit Borough Park on Tuesday, with it not only another three points up for grabs, but an opportunity to utilise the large squad, as Smith explained.

We’re all turning up to training and everyone’s wanting a spot in the team. That’s encouraging people to bring out the best in their game.
We want that winning feeling all the time now because it’s great in the dressing room. Knowing that we’re two points clear, you don’t want to start getting into little battles with teams.
The more advantage we’ve got, the better it is for us and we are going to drop points over a season.

The schedule has been a challenging one for the squad but the next game in four days time is something the group are capable of dealing with, according to the recently-returned squad member.