Valley Slice Up Sphinx On Derby Day

Grant Joshua was full of praise for his players after another impressive victory against Coventry Sphinx that extends Valley’s unbeaten run.

The 3-0 win over Sphinx marked back-to-back league wins for the first time this season and made it three wins from the last four games.

Joshua had this to say: "Derby day wins are always nice for the club and supporters. I thought the players played their part in making that happen, combined with the noise inside the stadium today — it was an all-round pleasing day.

"I thought we thoroughly deserved that. To be honest, 3–0 is kind — if we’re more clinical in the first half, it’s a really comfortable afternoon for us.

"That sharpness was just 5% off from all the lads first half and 11 players at 5% off equates to a lot collectively.

"We had that feeling at half-time that it was there for us if we turned the screw, as their back three or five couldn’t handle our boys in forward areas.

"Fair play to the lads — we bossed that second half, physically far better and shifted through the gears. That’s not a poor side we’ve put to the sword either — they’ve beaten some top sides and are sitting pretty.

"They ask a lot of questions, especially with their directness, and you have to stand up to that or they’ll walk all over you. Thankfully, we managed that part of the game very well from back to front.

"Again, it’s only three points but it’s more confidence for this group. We’re pleased with our form currently — these lads haven’t got too low with the lows or too high with the wins, and that’s a good recipe.

"Everybody just wants to improve on last season. It’s about building block by block, performance by performance, and seeing where that takes us.

"Our fitness levels are of a real high level and that came through for us again — the lads are in fantastic shape and it gives us an edge in games.

"Loughborough at home on Tuesday will be a tricky one — they’re doing well and were unlucky not to beat Corby on Wednesday and only lost to the odd goal at Anstey.

"Sphinx were very direct; Loughborough will be the polar opposite and that comes with its challenges.

"The lads need to rest up, do the right things between now and Tuesday and we’ll look to build on the momentum we’re carrying at the moment."