Harrogate Town AFC

Watch the Gaffer's pre match press conference ahead of Tuesday night's action versus Leyton Orient…
 


The Gaffer with an injury update on Aaron Martin…

He had a bad knock on Friday and it's a real shame for him as he's done a great job for us and we hope he's back sooner rather than later.

On preparing for Leyton Orient…

We've done quite a bit of video analysis in the last day. On Saturday there were so many good things that came out of it but also some glaring moments where we have to look at to work on to get better and to get to a level where we're consistent and safe as a team defensively.

Going forward, the passing football we saw in the first half in particular was really pleasing. The meeting was to encourage that as much as pointing out areas to improve on.

The Gaffer on improving defensively…

Defensively we're slipping up at times and it's a case where we need to show more authority with our communication, we need to see problems that may occur and be ahead of the game and then communicate to the ones around you.

As a centre half, get the full backs tucked in, organise the midfielders in front of you. The prime example being the first goal against Bolton which was a scruffy, horrible shot that ended up in the back of our goal from 22 yards and no one has really flown out to it and stopped the shot.

On Jon Stead being in contention to start…

He's in contention. We'll see how Becky is today in training. I think Stead showed his control of the ball and his threat against Bolton.

He put two headers in, could have had a strike in the dying minutes but his overall professionalism shone through as he was ready to go and his touch was bang on it. He's a really clever player so credit to him after such a long absence.  

On facing Orient…

We need to be clinical at both ends of the park. We don't want to be nearly men again. We understand there's learning curves at this level. We've been on a couple this season but we've still always been in games bar against Scunthorpe.

We don't want another lesson, there's always things to improve on but want to come out as a winning side. We know they're tight at the back, we know they've got attacking talents but we've got to keep on improving.

On keeping Orient striker Danny Johnson at bay…

I think that was another day where there was that lack of awareness of what might happen if someone counter attacks against you.

People like Johnson and [Eoin] Doyle will put themselves on your shoulder and just be ready to pounce on anyone caught square or napping at the back. We've learned lessons from right back then and we've got to put it into action now.

On looking for results in the next three games…

I think the pitch was looking a lot better in the last game and that can only be a good thing for the way we want to play. Saturday's pitch was brilliant and you saw us be us in terms of being on the ball.

Three home games in a row is a great opportunity to conjure up some good football, good moments and come out with some points.
 
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