Following the 2-0 victory over Wealdstone to start 2026, we spoke to Head Coach Mark Hughes.
Speaking to CUTV after the game, Hughes reflected on a professional performance, defensive improvements and another important three points.
Here is everything we learnt:
1. A professional and controlled win
“From my own point of view, it was pretty straightforward. It was a good professional performance. We went into the lead and managed the game well against a side that came here with a plan to frustrate us.”
2. Breaking down a defensive game plan
“They came with a clear idea to get people behind the ball and limit space. Because of that we needed patience, good movement and to move the ball around quickly, which I thought we did well.”
3. Exploiting space out wide
“Once we got into our rhythm, particularly in the first-half, we were good at exploiting gaps down the sides. When we did that, we created a number of chances.”
4. Three wins and three clean sheets
“We’ve come away with a good win and that makes it three wins on the spin with three clean sheets, which was something we really wanted to factor into our play.”
5. Defensive improvement as a collective
“We were conceding too many easy opportunities earlier in the season, so we’ve tightened that up. It’s not just about the back four, it’s about the team as a whole defending better.”
6. Pride in defensive discipline
“We’re defending as a collective a lot better than we have done in some games. That’s pleasing and it’s another aspect of our play that needs to be strong.”
7. Credit to the groundstaff
“It was important to get the game on because it was at risk. The covers went on quickly and while it was a bit bobbly and unpredictable at times, it was the right decision to play. Credit to the groundstaff.”
8. Luke’s scoring run continues
“Luke is playing really well at the moment. His energy and work rate are second to none and he’s got a real desire to get on the end of things. It was a fantastic bit of skill for the goal.”
9. Callum Whelan’s impact on his return
“I just felt he deserved to start. He trains really well, came on to good effect the other day and he kept things ticking over, which is what he does. He had a good impact on the game.”
10. Aaron Hayden adding a goal to his clean sheet
“He’s got previous for scoring at this level. He did it during his time at Wrexham in the National League, so it’s good to see him get on the scoresheet and we probably should get him in those positions more often.”
11. Patience and tactical control
“They changed their shape and wanted to frustrate us. As long as you’re confident in what you’re doing and know which areas to penetrate, you have to show patience and that’s what we did.”
12. Using the diamond effectively
“At times the diamond gives you more control. With two lads up front it causes problems and it allows you to get more bodies around the ball and stop passing lanes."
13. Momentum during a busy period
“I’m not sure when the last time we won three games with three clean sheets was, probably three or four years ago. It’s a really pleasing return during a busy period.”
14. Handling pressure at the top end of the table
“We spoke about what was required today and the order of business was to win the game and get three points. I thought we were quite comfortable.”
