John Rooney reviews Saturday’s historic victory over Stamford AFC in the Emirates FA Cup at the Leasing.com Stadium.
Speaking to Silkmen TV after the game, no reminder was required of the feat achieved by reaching the First Round Proper as Rooney revealed “I spoke to the lads about how important it was before the game”, emphasising the desire of going one step further in the famous old competition, which appeared to be used as motivation to help get the team over the line.
The Manager was quick to add “I thought we should’ve been out of sight in the first half, that’s probably one thing I’m probably a bit disappointed with today. It could’ve been six or seven by full time, we had some unbelievable chances”
Frustrated to have not been further in front at the interval, Rooney reluctantly admitted “if we give them that little bit of hope late on in the game, they’ll have a go” but was also impressed with his team’s defensive display, noting “I thought we nullified them to a minimal amount of chances, and Max didn’t really have a save to make”
Despite ruing missed chances and leaving ourselves exposed somewhat late on, ultimately the opportunity to reach the next round wasn’t passed up, which as a result, the gaffer said “I’m buzzing for the lads that we’re in that First Round Proper”
Roons gave a special mention to Vice Captain Lewis Fensome from that back four, and praised him for being “absolutely outstanding for me. He’s come in and played right back and centre back for us, since he’s been in the team he’s been brilliant for us. The way he trains and applies himself, I couldn’t ask for a better player to coach and to manage because of his attitude, constantly talking and organising for us, I just want to give him a special mention for how good he’s been, especially for me”
John Rooney embraces Lewis Fensome after majestic display from the Vice Captain
Rooney also acknowledged how beneficial our progression in the Emirates FA Cup is both on and off the pitch, stating “it’s brilliant for the Club aswell as the group of players”
Equally, John was pleased with the game management “especially late on” mentioning Danny Elliott in jest “sometimes he just wants to score that much but I thought his in particular was really good, I’ve just told him that, taking it to the corner and seeing the game out was vital. I thought all the lads ran the clock down really well”
Pleased too with the discipline shown by the group after not picking up any cautions on Saturday, Roons divulged “we had a little chat with the lads about their discipline, whilst it might not hurt us in that particular game, it will in games to come and I thought they managed it really well today”
Jovially, the manager also gave his reasoning behind naming himself on the bench, stating it was simply “another body on the bench just incase it was needed. It’s nice to be able to fill a bench and I felt it was important that we did that”
Whilst admittedly preferring one of the bigger boys in the next round of the tournament, he was conscious too of what lies ahead in the form of Curzon Ashton in the Enterprise National League North and either AFC Totton or Truro in the Emirates FA Cup, Rooney insists “we’ll continue to take it game by game and not look too far ahead”
