The gaffer on the late, but great win over Southend...
Taking three points off Southend was never going to be easy but the Lamex was treated to a topsy-turvy game on Saturday that saw Boro take the lead, then surrender it, before taking it again with a late flurry of goals.
After going into half-time with a 1-0 lead, Boro quickly surrendered the advantage and Southend took control scoring two goals within 11 minutes of the restart.
GW said that giving up half-time leads has to stop.
“I said to the lads inside if I have got six points, one of them certainly is why have we come out after half-time, on a lead and given that lead up with such ease. It has been a common mental trait with us when we go in ahead; we forget to come out with the same level of gusto and energy that put us ahead in the first place. So there is a mental lesson to learn there but that is what a new team and evolving team is all about, learning lessons and improving.”
Simon Walton skippered the side in Ronnie Henry’s absence and the gaffer was impressed with his influence on the team.
“He put the armband on and he wore it well today. He led with an example and with a voice; he put a demand on the team and showed a real determination. It was a shame that he gave the penalty away because that was poor play by him but what a great reaction, took responsibility in putting the penalty away and in the last 20 minutes was a real influence in making sure the team was driven on to victory.”
Losing 2-1, the introductions of Kennedy, Zola and Pett in the second half turned the game on its head as Boro came storming back to score three goals in the final 20 minutes.
“There was a fantastic thrust in the last 20 minutes with Kennedy running on up top alongside Beardo, then alongside Zola and Petty down the right hand side. The whole team found a new energy. When you have got those legs and that energy coming on into a game we knew that late on they would struggle, they have done and those boys coming on made a big difference.”
Sign into Boro Player for the full interview with GW, plus reaction from Roarie Deacon and Simon Walton.