Club captain Danny Grainger took his tally for the season to three goals from 12 outings when bagged a brace in United’s five-goal demolition of Crewe on Saturday.
Now into his fourth season with the Blues he has notched up an impressive 22 goals in 140 appearances as he continues to produce the goods as United’s current longest serving player.
We caught up with him at full time on Saturday to get his thoughts on the game.
“We obviously haven’t been up to scratch the last few weeks but this was a good performance and the win was merited,” he said. “It was one of those days where you look at it and think it’s all going your way.
“It was a clinical performance in the end and we fully deserved the result. They’re a good team and when you look at it I don’t think you’ll get many strike forces like it in this league. Dagnall and Porter are a handful and the lad Cooper gets at you when he can.
“They have strong defenders, and obviously we know Raynesy well, so we knew we were going to have to work hard. We did what we had to do and that’s what brought us out on top in the end.”
On the stunning strike which opened the scoring on the afternoon, he said: “I’m delighted with that one. To be honest, I think I should be chipping in with more with the way I can step into the game in the final third.
“With that chance as soon as I got to within shooting distance and it opened up for me I just thought ‘why not’- so I went for it.
“As far as the penalty is concerned I’ve always said I’m confident when I step up to take one. My last one was saved but I knew where I was going with this one and I was delighted to see it hit the back of the net.”
“Scoring goals is great but the most important thing is the performance from the team,” he continued. “At two goals up the result was never really in doubt. A bit of pressure had been relieved and the lads were able to really express themselves.
“We saw it when the subs came on as well. They fed off it and Jamie Devitt always picks up fantastic spaces. He fed Reggie [Lambe] in for his goal and then Hallam Hope wrapped it all up in injury time. It was good stuff all round.
“We had Clint [Hill] making his first appearance for the club and I thought he fitted in really well. It’s only going to be a benefit for everyone to have his experience, knowledge and communication in the dressing room, so I’m looking forward to working with him more.”
“Getting the win, particularly like that, means a lot to all of us,” he confirmed. “The lads have been hurting these last few weeks and going through a run of games without a win does put a little bit of pressure on your shoulders.
“We showed what we’re about and it’s important that we take it into Tuesday night now. This game has been and gone but we know we need to carry it on. We need the good performances to keep coming so that results keep going our way.”
Click HERE to watch an interview with Danny Grainger on iFollow United now.
