Dan Marshall’s Post Match Reaction

Another win for Rangers kept the unbeaten start to 2019 going and this, alongside the manner of the comeback, made for a very happy Dan Marshall.

A first half equaliser from new boy Will Bates meant that the two teams went in at the break on level terms, but rising to the occasion (literally) was Danny Grannon who powered in a header to put Rangers in the lead and, ultimately, win the game.

Speaking after the game, this is what the Gaffer said.

On the match itself …

Not an easy game to say the least and I think that it didn’t quite happen today in some of our play, but the pleasing factor was that even though we went one down, we scored a goal at the key-time just before half-time through Will (Bates) and then when Danny (Grannon) put us 2-1 up in the second half, we managed the game out really well.

We had to make four changes today with players out and others coming in, but I can’t fault the effort of the lads today and we got the result that I think we deserved and the three points.

On the goal before half-time altering the team talk …

It was a good finish by Will with the header. I think that there wasn’t too much between the teams and that both of us were trying to play football the right way. I was a little disappointed at the goal we gave away as Jonty (Smith) has made a great save but their lad has reacted just a little quicker than us and put it away, but Will’s goal right on half-time made my talk a lot easier and it was just a case of trying to playing the ball quicker and get some more width into the side and we did that well.

On players returning from injury at the right time…

It is good as it gives us players for most positions, dependant on what formation we are playing. We have the scope to bring in players like Kieron (O’Brien) who has hit the bar from 30 yards, made an assist, cleared a goal bound shot and been the Man of the Match for us. We were able to move Luke (Dubery) into midfield and we have that flexibility which is key at this stage of the season. It has also allowed me to look at players in different positions which can only benefit us.

We are going to lose Roman as he goes on his travels, which will be a blow for us, but on the other side it was great to hear that Sam Straker is returning to form with two goals today, to go with his Man of the Match performance for the Reserves last week. So, it’s another player to keep an eye on who can step up and with Will joining the club and scoring again today, it puts us in a very healthy position with a couple of months to go.

On Jonty Smith’s form …

He’s been immense and it’s disappointing for him, and us, that we just haven’t been able to keep that clean sheet. Jonty is one of the best around and that’s why he is our keeper and the first player I brought to the club when I returned. He has played for us for a lot of years now and that is why he is our captain and a massive part of this club.