Fleetwood Town manager, Graham Alexander was delighted to reflect on a 2-1 victory over Dagenham and Redbridge, Town's first home win for two months:
By David MitchellFleetwood Town manager, Graham Alexander was delighted to reflect on a 2-1 victory over Dagenham and Redbridge, Town's first home win for two months:
'It was morale-boosting, confidence-building and thoroughly deserved. The lads showed the application that you need to perform and win games and responded well from the early setback of conceding a penalty. There's no doubt in my mind that over the ninety minutes we deserved the points.'
Reacting to the eleventh penalty awarded against Town this season, following Shaun Beeley's hand ball, the manager said:
'I saw Beels throw himself in front of a shot. He does it a lot, even in training, and it helps to make him a very good defender. Sometimes you are unfortunate in that it hits your hand but I don't think that there was any intention on his part. What wasn't in doubt, however, was that it was a big test of character after the run we've been on.'
Thankfully, Town were back on terms soon after through Junior Brown and went on to complete a win courtesy of a superb strike from Gareth Evans, his first goal in Town colours. Both were deserved after fine performances from the attacking midfielders:
'I thought that the front three were a threat for large periods of the game,' added Alexander. 'Jamille was fantastic and Gaz and Junior created opportunities to take the game forward. Junior is a proven goal scorer and there was a bit of banter afterwards about who scored the first but I have to say it was nice to debate a goal scored! As for Gaz, I've been asking for that sort of contribution after knowing his threat from his past clubs. He's very good at coming off the left hand side and producing crosses and shots.'
'We encourage our forwards to have a free licence and try something different because goal-scoring is not just off a chalk board. Sometimes you need that bit of luck or devilment, to try something different. There's more to come from these guys and we'll encourage it week in, week out.'
Town were deprived of a third goal in the first-half when Jamie McGuire beat the keeper, only to be pulled back for a free kick to his own side. Alexander did not hide his disappointment:
'It's a big thing in football where referees let the advantage rule go for a second or two and it was a shame that we did not benefit. Jamie deserved the goal because of his contribution today and he got into the box which we had asked for. Luckily, it didn't cost us because that would have been galling.'
'Dagenham had plenty to play for and offered threats of their own, especially from set pieces where they have great delivery and invention. We had to be careful not to give away cheap free kicks and corners.'
'We were a threat as well, unlike Tuesday. It was a good response from the lads and the three points were very welcome. We've talked a lot since Barnet and wanted to show we care about our club and our jobs. We want people to think good things about us as professionals and that's what today was all about. Now we have to take that endeavour and spirit into two tough weekend games over Easter, against Gillingham and Southend.'
