Darren Sarll praised his players for the way they performed in the win against Grimsby, after admitted he had increased the pressure on them going into the clash.
The manager was looking for a strong response after last weekend’s defeat and he got exactly that with a 2-0 scoreline.
“There was a lot of pressure on today, we built it up in the week based on the fact that last time we faced Grimsby they were totally dominant and obviously last week was such a disappointing performance.
“So the pressure was ramped up on the players this week and it invoked a few changes. I thought they carried out a very good strategy from start to finish and very much deserved the win.
“They certainly responded today with a terrifically dogged, organised performance and I still think we have to go and improve offensively because against other sides we will need to open them up on more frequent occasions.”
Steve Schumacher’s free-kick after only three minutes put Boro ahead but it was the second half performance which the manager was most pleased with.
“I poked them a little bit this week. Steve was one of those that I wanted to poke and he certainly gave me the answer I was looking for. It was a very good performance and the strike was testament to his ability to hit dead balls.
“I was a little bit disappointed with the first half. I said to the players at half-time, we will have to improve. Trying to hold onto 1-0 is a poor mentality and mind set to have so, ‘let’s improve, let’s improve our attacking play and keep believing in the defensive work we are doing and it will open up because they will have to come out.’
“We grew into the game. I thought structurally we were very good. We saw the very best of Charlie Lee again today. It reminded me very much of soon after my takeover in February, the performance against Cambridge when we won 2-0. It was reminiscent of that.”
Jobi McAnuff - making his first start since September - sealed the victory with a fine effort from the edge of the area and Sarll says the experienced winger has been the consummate professional whilst waiting in the wings.
“No wonder he is always so angry with me! Jobi has conducted himself in an unbelievable manner.
“He is a magnificent professional to have in the building. His character and attitude has been superb and when you get a chance, the only thing you can do is answer the call and do it to the best of your ability.”