Joshua Pleased with Attacking Response in Home Win

Rugby Town manager Grant Joshua was full of praise for his side's attacking performance after Saturday's home victory against Lichfield City, describing it as "a lot more like it" from his team at Butlin Road.

Speaking after the 3-2 victory over Lichfield City, Joshua said the focus since last weekend’s draw at Boldmere had been on defining what a Rugby Town home performance should look like.

“We’ve spoken a lot this last week since Boldmere about what a home performance should look like from a Rugby Town team. There are bits to work on defensively as a group, but as an attacking force I’m really pleased – we looked a problem to deal with today.”

The Valley boss reiterated that his focus remains firmly on performance as much as results, pointing back to last week’s display as a turning point.

“My job all the time is to look past results and dig into the performance. Last week against Boldmere I was encouraged, not by the result but by the performance, and that wouldn’t have wavered if that late penalty had gone in. It didn’t, and it’s given us a boost, no doubt.”

Joshua felt the week’s work on the training pitch translated onto the field.

“We trained well all week again and I was confident going into today based on what I’d seen. We spoke a lot about what a Rugby Town ‘home performance’ looks like and how I envisage my teams playing at home, and although it wasn’t punch perfect, it’s a lot more like it.

We looked a threat all day, the front six were exceptional and dominated the game. I thought we looked two yards sharper and fitter.”

Despite conceding twice from set plays, Joshua felt his side controlled the contest in open play.

“Of course I’m disappointed conceding two set-play goals, but I’m pleased we limited a good Lichfield side to very little in play. What Ivor [Green] and Wayne [Chapman] have done there is remarkable and I take my hat off to them.

We caused our own problems giving away free-kicks and corners and we have to be more aggressive – put our head where it hurts.”

Joshua reserved special praise for the quality of Town’s football, particularly the opening goal.

“On the ball we connected the game brilliantly. The first goal is a 20-pass pattern, delivered with quality, patience and movement. The change in tempo in and around the box and just a fantastic team goal – a pleasure to see that type of football end in a goal.”

There were individual mentions too, including for Geoff [Lundoloki] at the back.

“Geoff started the game very well and the kid is getting better and better. A front-footed defender who was much hungrier to win the ball back high up and then gets brought down for the penalty. I hope his injury isn’t too bad and it should have been dealt with by the officials.”

Joshua was delighted to see Kobi [Bivens] open his account for the club.

“I’m delighted for Kobi to get his goal. His first for the club was always going to be one of that quality. This kid doesn’t get flustered and believe me, he can finish. He’s such a silky player – his work rate, hold-up play, link-up play, channel running, his connection with Jack [Concannon] – I was really impressed with him.”

There was also praise for academy graduate Archie Murray on his debut.

“Special mention for 18-year-old Archie Murray – what a debut. He did not put a foot wrong against a top Step 4 player in Jack Edwards.”

Joshua felt the scoreline could have been more comfortable with greater ruthlessness late on. “Let’s be honest, if we’re clinical in that last 10 or 15 minutes it wouldn’t and shouldn’t have looked that close. We have to work on that side of our game, but we can’t have it all at once.

I’m delighted with the football we played today, how fast we broke on Lichfield and how many chances we created. That’s all I wanted from a home game – to get the supporters excited to turn up at Butlin Road.”

Looking ahead, Joshua stressed that standards must remain high.

“Four points from six is ok. The dressing room knows it’s only three points and we have to work our socks off again this week and then deliver that same attacking performance next week at home against Basford, who are unbeaten in 15.

We’re looking to go on a run. We have huge quality and competition in the squad and I’m proud of them today.”