Grant Pleased With Fourth Straight Win After Eventful Long Eaton Clash

Rugby Town manager Grant Joshua got what he demanded with his side taking all three points against an ill-disciplined Long Eaton United.

Rugby Town made it four wins on the bounce with a 3-2 victory at Long Eaton United who played the second half with only nine men but manager Grant Joshua admitted his side still have lessons to learn despite the three points.

"You're never going to get any plaudits for beating nine men. We were expected to and we did just that - we take maximum points and move on," said Joshua.

"Regardless of the red cards, eleven versus eleven we were very good and deserved our 0-2 lead.

"The first goal was brilliantly worked and taken with ease from Ted [Rowe] - it’s a super finish. I thought we turned down the opportunity to get in behind a lot today; keeping the ball is great but when you know you can hurt a team you have to take those chances. We chose the safe pass out wide instead of punching it through the spaces.”

Joshua felt his side lost their way slightly after Long Eaton went down to ten men: "I’ve been in that situation where you go down to 10 and it galvanises you as a group.

"Saying that, we didn't deal well with them going down to 10. We didn’t move the ball quickly enough and a few of mine became complacent and stopped doing what got us the two-goal lead. That’s a learning curve for some of the younger lads."

Both of Long Eaton’s goals came from the penalty spot, something Joshua plans to review: "Two goals we’ve conceded, both penalties, and I’m not sure on either. Both handballs and both the same player - I’ll have to look it back. Second half was difficult for them though, and credit to them for putting bodies on the line. Their keeper was outstanding."

Joshua was full of praise for the impact of his substitutes and the strength of his squad. “The bench really helped us on Saturday — Trey [Charles], Callum [Griffin], Cairo [Taylor] and Dan [Organ] all came on with points to prove because they should all be starting, and I’m really happy with their reaction.

"It’s another win - four on the spin - but the hardest game is always the next one.

"Good teams are consistent teams, and we have to arrive at Bourne next week with the mentality of proving a point every time we set foot on the field. If we do that, we give ourselves every chance of a positive result."