Neal Ardley was delighted to see work on the training ground come to fruition during our 3-2 win over Ebbsfleet in the Emirates FA Cup.
Ben Turner’s last-gasp header put us through to round two after Kyle Wootton had netted a brace in-between a pair of strikes from our hosts, including an 89th-minute equaliser.
And the boss says all the key aspects of our win were results of areas that have been focused on in training.
“We did a really hard running session on Tuesday and I’m telling the boys that’s the reason we won today,” revealed Ardley.
“The first and third goals came from two of our set-piece routines and I’m delighted with that because it’s pleasing to see them work.
“We do a lot of finishing from angles in training so, when Kyle did that for his second, it was Thursday’s session in practice.
“Wes Thomas was brilliant for that one – he had his back to goal and spun before accelerating away, so it was great from the pair of them.”
Ardley paid testament to the hardworking nature of his players after the victory.
“Their attitude is fantastic and their will to win and do everything right is what leads to this kind of result,” he said.
“The work we do in the week is hard but the boys get on with it because they know it will stand us in good stead over the course of the season.
“We responded to a setback again and the character to concede in the 89th minute but go on to get the third goal is what good teams are made of.”
And, although the winner came in dramatic fashion, that wasn’t the best part for the boss.
“I’m more pleased by the fact we could have been out of sight by then,” he added.
“Aside from the first 20 minutes we got loads right tactically and the boys did everything I asked for.”