GAINSBOROUGH Trinity responded to two defeats in a week at AFC Telford by defeating a Redditch United side who were previously undefeated away from home.
Boss Steve Charles was pleased to see his side pick up three points at home. The result lifts the blues up to ninth in Blue Square North.
Charles was understandably angry about his side's effort in the first 45. The Blues were fortunate to go in lea
ding 1-0 at the break, but manager Charles was pleased with the response.
"I'm delighted with three points and a few goals at home which have been lacking, but the first half was dire and I was embarrassed to be in charge of a team that played so badly.
"But the lads got a rocket at half-time and thankfully they responded well. Redditch are a difficult side to play against, but thankfully we couldn't have played as bad in the second half with the players we've got."
The Trinity boss was also full of praise for Neal Spafford. The former Boston Town man emulated Adam Smith by scoring on his home debut, much to the surprise of the blues coaching staff.
"I've no idea what Neal (Spafford) was doing up there, he likes to bomb on and I was saying to Dave Reeves what he's doing? And then he scores so I can't complain. He's a very raw lad but he's very enthusiastic and will be good for this club"
Goal scoring right back (not a common phrase) Neal Spafford spoke to the Standard about his shock at finding himself in the opposing six-yard box.
"I came inside, looking to play a one-two with Lewis McMahon, and I followed it in his shot and when the keeper parried I thought I've a chance here and fortunately it went in."
The defender was making his first appearance at the Northolme after joining the club in the summer, and is enjoying the step up.
"The gaffer has been speaking to me in training, getting me doing the right things. It's been difficult and frustrating time, but the boys have been solid and as a result it's been nearly a month without playing one minute, but on Tuesday I thought I gave a good account of myself and managed to keep my place in the side."
Spafford's goalscoring debut earned him the man of the match award, and he also said how chuffed he was, and what a great day it had been for him.
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