Assistant manager Gavin Skelton spoke to us after Tuesday’s Cumberland Cup victory over Penrith.
“We’re obviously pleased,” he said. “It’s nice to win a game of football. I thought Penrith were the better team in the first 20 minutes, credit to them, they started really brightly. The first goal helped us and after that we were quite comfortable, although at times we were sloppy in possession.
“It was as though we got bored of doing good things which were causing them problems which was frustrating, but overall a decent game and we deserved to win, but Penrith were the better team first 20 minutes and you can see why they’ve had good results – credit to Daz and Rich, they’re doing a good job here.
“There were some good performances from our lads, some will be pleased to get a game. I thought the 18s that played added a bit of energy and good enthusiasm. I thought Ben Barclay did well, he showed a good attitude and his leadership. Fin got 45 minutes which was pleasing.
“Jayden got two goals and his attitude was excellent. You could tell he’s been playing games, and you could tell the ones that haven’t been playing games, they didn’t have that rhythm, that second ball mentality, that match sharpness basically.
“I thought Jayden showed he’s been playing games. Since he’s come back his attitude has been first class. Two goals tonight but if we’re nit picking, their goal came from Jayden making a bad decision, I could see that going through his mind. I don’t blame him for going for that but credit to him, his attitude’s first class and he’s never a problem.
“Terry has had a bad injury and I thought tonight he showed he needs game time, he’ll feel the benefit of that. Sean Grehan will be better for the game time – he got to have a look at us and we got to have a better look at him. Corey Whelan was injured. He injured his ankle yesterday but hopefully it’s not too serious.
“I’m really pleased for Anton. He has a first class mentality, he’s been training with us for a bit, his attitude is infectious, I’m pleased for him to get that goal and he’ll feel good for that. It’s been hard to get it through, and get over the line with international clearance, we didn’t think he’d get it up until last night or this morning, so he’ll feel good and I’m pleased – he’s a really positive character around the club.
“It’s a good habit, to be a goalscorer. You can do all the rest of it but that’s why they’re harder to come by, goalscorers. He is a good finisher, you see it in training. You warm to him – he’s got real enthusiasm. He does understand English but he picks up drills straight away – you see that and realise he’s an intelligent footballer. It will be interesting to see how he develops in the next few months, and getting game time today, that’s where you get judged.”
“Overall it was a professional job,” he continued. “In terms of attitude and the way we applied ourselves. The 18s did well, senior pros applied themselves, and it was a competitive game. First ten or 15 minutes, Penrith showed why they’ve had a good run of form under Daz and Rich, had more shots than us on target so it was important we got that first goal and that helped us get control of the game."
