Following the Blues’ victory at Gateshead, we spoke to Head Coach Mark Hughes.
Speaking to CUTV after the game, Hughes praised the impact of returning players and highlighted the importance of building momentum heading into the next fixture.
Here is everything we learnt:
1. A controlled and intense performance
“I enjoyed the game. I thought we were in complete control if we’re honest. There was a real intensity to our work, we were anticipating things as the ball was dropping and we were able to adapt to whatever their game plan was. In the end our quality took the game away from them so it’s a really pleasing result.”
2. Adapting to Gateshead’s approach
“They were a little bit more direct than I thought they would be but we dealt with that well. We recognised what was required and adjusted accordingly which allowed us to stay on top throughout the game.”
3. Delight at Elliot Embleton’s return and goal
“It was great to have Elliot back starting and scoring after everything he’s been through. He’s been frustrated because he started the season really well and then had the injuries but it looks like he’s come back to his level.”
4. Pressing success and a quality finish
“We felt they overplayed at times in key areas and if we picked the right moment we could get some joy out of it. Embo (Elliot Embleton) was bright in that moment and it was a great finish. He curved it round the outside of the post and back in.”
5. Key players returning to fitness
“We’ve got JJ (Jordan Jones) back as well and Bevis [Mugabi] came on late so we’re getting guys back and up to speed. We’ve come through the game unscathed, won comfortably and given players the minutes they need which makes it a really satisfying day.”
6. Experience and decision making was the difference
“Those players bring that selection of pass and decision making you need at any level. Sometimes you can’t always go forward you’ve got to be patient and recognise that and those guys give us that.”
7. Impact from the bench
“I thought Whelo (Callum Whelan) came on and was excellent in that last period. He got a shot off and then we scored the third so I was really pleased for him. There’s honestly not much I can touch on that I was unhappy about.”
8. Regan providing a different attacking dimension
“I wanted to see Regan through the middle. He’s got great movement and even when he plays centrally he’ll still drift left which doesn’t affect us because we get runners through the middle. He won the penalty and scored. It’s been a while for him and I thought he was back to something like his best today.”
9. Goals across the frontline
“Luke coming on and getting on the scoresheet was pleasing. His energy is always there his link up play was good and he got his reward. It’s important we’ve got those variations at the top end of the pitch to keep people guessing.”
10. Defensive solidity and a welcome clean sheet
“Clean sheets are important for the guys at the back. I thought we defended really well. They had some pace and went a bit bigger later on but the result was never really in doubt.”
11. Momentum heading into the next game
“We’ve got to come to places like this and understand what’s required and I thought we did that from the first whistle. There was a real determination to get the job done so we want more of the same going into Morecambe.”
