Steve Chettle was pleased with the way Notts County Reserves responded in the second half of their 5-2 Central League victory over Grimsby on Tuesday.
Kion Etete’s brace put the Magpies comfortably ahead during the first period but two goals in quick succession from their hosts meant the sides went into the break level.
Remaye Campbell, Will Patching and Sam Osborne were on target after the interval and Chettle was happy with the response to his half-time instructions.
“I said a few choice words and told them to go out there and find a way to win the game,” he said.
“We were slow in possession during the first half but, after the break, we played more effective and better football.
“We went two goals ahead very early and I think the boys thought the game was won – that led to us conceding a pair of very, very cheap goals.
“Overall, however, it was a comfortable win and a workmanlike performance from the team.”
The result meant Notts have picked up three straight wins ahead of next Wednesday’s Central League Cup final against Bournemouth at Meadow Lane and Chettle feels having a settled group is paying off.
“It helps that we have players that we work with most days, which allows us to practice the patterns of play we want to produce in matches,” he said.
“We’ve done OK in the Central League this season and the run to the League Cup final is a big feather in the cap of everyone that’s been part of it.
“We know next week’s game against Bournemouth will be very different, though.
“They’re a Premier League football club so we know they’ll be well organised and it’ll be a tough game, but it’s a cup final and we’ll enjoy it.”