Chaddy boss already looking towards next season

Non-league football, by Ryan Booth

Chadderton boss David Fish was pleased with his players' collective response to defeat to Eccleshall as Jack Turnbull’s brace ensured the local outfit triumphed 2-0 at play-off chasing Holker Old Boys on Easter Saturday.

“The loss to Eccleshall was a strange game,” said Fish.

“Coming so soon after a strong performance at Alsager I thought we would win the game comfortably.

“We started well and could have had a couple before Jack Ward opened the scoring. We then gave the ball away cheaply for Eccleshall to equalise and that set the tone for the game.

“We had lots of possession but failed to move the ball quickly enough and as a result failed to really penetrate or create many clear cut chances.

"Our pace of play also created our own problems as we invited the press and this was how we finally conceded the second goal.”

However, it wasn’t all doom and gloom as the Reds quickly regrouped to secure a crucial victory at Holker to move 12 points above the drop zone - boss Fish was delighted with the way in which his side responded after their disappointing display four days earlier.

Fish continued: “Saturday was a completely different game. After the opening ten minutes which was fairly open I thought we dominated the game.

“We had the bulk of possession, moved the ball quickly, snapped into tackles and won second balls. We also showed good game management in mixing up our play on a heavy, sloping pitch.

"I thought we looked as comfortable as I've seen us and we could easily have won by more than two goals.

“To have taken four points from two away games against teams still in contention for play-offs is very pleasing.

"We now need to make sure we beat the teams around is in the league if we are to finish the season as high up the league as possible.”

Chadderton's home clash with Prestwich Heys tomorrow night (Thursday) will round off six games over a 14-day period and despite testing his squad’s depth, Fish believes the hectic schedule will only help develop the youthful side.

Fish said: “The squad depth is being tested as we have a number of players carrying small injuries, in addition to Leon Iluobe, who is now confirmed as being out for the season. 

“The players will learn a lot and develop from these games and their reaction and response will tell me a lot about them as individuals as I am starting to look towards next season.”