East Harling manager praises 'mature performance' after derby win over Attleborough Town
Stacey Lawrence has hailed the ‘mature performance’ that his East Harling players produced during Saturday’s 1-0 derby victory at Attleborough Town.
With both sides unbeaten in the Hadley & Ottaway Anglian Combination Division One since the turn of the year, a close contest was anticipated at Station Road – a venue where East Harling had not triumphed since 1984.
However, despite having the weight of history against them, a first-half header from Matty Allin secured all three points for the seventh-placed Green Army at the expense of their hosts, who have dropped to fourth.
“It probably was not the greatest of spectacles, but the good thing about derby games is you know what you are going to come up against,” said victorious boss Lawrence.
“It makes it easier to negate their threats and we did that to a tee – it was such a mature performance.
“We made it ugly at times, made it hard for them to play in the areas they like to play.
“We applied pressure, pressed in packs and rushed them into errors. In terms of workrate I could not have asked for more.
“After that it was about in-game management. During our recent run of draws our in-game management has let us down a little bit, but it was perfect on Saturday.
“We got the lead and managed to see the game out. We were up against a side that had been in fine scoring form and they have probably had two shots all match.”
Lawrence’s side will now embark on a run of four straight home matches, the first of which sees Kirkley & Pakefield Reserves visit Church Road tomorrow (2.30pm).
22/02/2020, Attleborough, England. ..Football action from Attleborough v East Harling - Callum Kindred (A) and Ollie Taret (EH) ..Photo by Mark Bullimore. (29897582)
Eighth-placed Kirkley were the last side to beat East Harling on December 14 and it proved to be a bruising encounter which ended 6-0 in the hosts’ favour.
“They are the last team we lost to and it was a heavy defeat,” added Lawrence.
“Their first team (Step 5) game was called off that day and so some of them played for the reserves and that made it a very tough day. We are desperate to put that afternoon right and continue our good form.”
Attleborough, meanwhile, will aim to bounce back tomorrow at second-placed Gorleston Reserves (2.30pm).
