CARL Adams believes Saturday’s FA Cup demolition of neighbours Redditch United proved why he has so much belief in his Stratford Town squad, writes Colin Stoner.
Adams admitted he had left the players in no doubt about his dissatisfaction at their two previous outings, losing their unbeaten record at King’s Lynn and then slumping to a 5-2 defeat at Hereford.
However, the 4-1 Cup win against visitors Redditch highlighted the quality in the team, with cracking finishes from captain James Fry and defender Liam Francis setting them on their way before Will Grocott added two more goals late on.
The reward is a third qualifying round trip to Northern Premier Division One North side Scarborough Athletic a week on Saturday as both teams look to reach the final qualifying round for the first time in their history.
Adams praised his side’s ‘bouncebackability’ and he wants to see those standards replicated when they entertain basement side Gosport Borough on Saturday in the Southern Premier. Then on Tuesday, Town are at home to Chesham United.
“The lads definitely bounced back against Redditch and that’s the standard I expect in our performance,” said Adams.
“The way we bounced back was testament to the quality and character we’ve got in the squad.
“In terms of the league games, we must have had the hardest fixture list in the whole of the league.
“For five of those seven games, we played really well, but for the first 45 minutes against King’s Lynn and then Hereford we just didn’t turn up.
“But we’ve put those two defeats to bed with the way we played throughout the 90 minutes against Redditch. We ended a tough week on a high. I’ve been a miserable so and so but after Saturday’s win I might even get on with the missus this week!”
Meanwhile, Adams revealed he did not want to lose Guy Clark after his switch to Bromsgrove Sporting but he understood the defender’s reasons.
The 25-year-old has changed jobs which will limit his availability so he wanted to play in a more local league. Bromsgrove, says Adams, have signed a quality player and great character.
“Guy will be massively missed because he is a good player and a great lad in the dressing room,” said Adams. “I didn’t want to lose him.
“He has been with me for four years and I’ve nothing but success with him. I wish him all the best at Bromsgrove.
“Guy wants to play. He has got himself a new job which I don’t think will allow him to do the long journeys in midweek which we have to do.”
Town have also bid farewell to utility player Emmitt Delfouneso. He rejoined last season from Highgate United but he has not featured this term.
“It’s just not worked out so we go our separate ways,” said Adams.
