‘We had to win’
Goalscorer Scott Allison described yesterday’s game as a ‘horrible’ one which Reds ‘had to win’ as they continued their perfect start.
Allison netted once in each half to make it three victories from three matches in the Northern Premier League, earning him Man of the Match against Pontefract Collieries.
He spoke post-match about the Bank Holiday Monday result, and discussed it’s value, physical tests and team spirit.
It’s always nice to score the goals, but it’s obviously more important to get three points. Especially after Saturday, we had to win.
A game like that, which was so horrible to play in and probably watch, they’re these ones you have to grind out.
Although Allison’s header and long-range strike were ultimately decisive, the forward praised the team’s defensive work, too.
We held on and defended really well, especially when we were under a lot of pressure at the end.
The Yorkshire opposition, who inadvertently caused a delayed kick-off due to being stuck in traffic, made sure a bumper Borough Park crowd witnessed a battle – something Allison and the team have been anticipating.
I think there’s people behind-the-scenes think that’ll be our weakness this season.
Big, strong teams will try to get about us because there’s a lot of young lads, with a little bit of inexperience, you could say.
So, for a first test of that sort of thing, we’ve come out with a win and it’s perfect because it builds confidence.
We know teams will try and kick us, get us off our game and it’ll happen again, again and again.
Scott Allison revealed regarding the physical aspects of the side.
During any skirmishes, the team spirit was on show as the 11 Reds on the pitch backed one-another up throughout the well over 90 minute-match.
Now in his seventh campaign in west Cumbria, Allison knows that it is important getting that element right and it was ‘perfect.’
That was lacking a bit last year, we missed a bit of being there for each other, and support your mates in situations.
It was perfect, people going in not necessarily getting involved but being there to back-up your teammates.
Finally, another supporting factor was that 631 people inside Borough Park on a glorious Bank Holiday Monday, as a grateful Allison acknowledged the backing.
After getting relegated, it’d be easy for these fans to stay away and give up on us, but there’s probably more people down watching than last season.
The locals have been brilliant, and it’s great to give them a win on a day like today.
Next for Reds, they make the trip to Merseyside on Saturday to face City of Liverpool at the TDP Solicitors Stadium, kick-off 3pm.
Photo courtesy of Ben Challis
