Rusk praises his ‘ruthless’ Hatters

STOCKPORT manager Simon Rusk praised his ‘ruthless’ County side after they thrashed 10-man Solihull Moors 5-0.

Goals from Harry Cardwell, Tom Walker, Jack Stretton and a John Rooney brace saw the Hatters strengthen their grip in the National League play-off spots.

“I thought it was very professional,” said Rusk. “Obviously, there are moments that change games and we’ve been on the end of that this season, and it was the decision of a penalty and the red card (for Solihull Moors) which had an impact on the match. But having said that, I thought we were devastating in the last third of the pitch.

“I thought we deserved it. The boys’ professionalism was great, and we were ruthless.”

Making his first start for the club, Cardwell – who is on loan from Chorley – expressed his delight to get on the scoresheet.

“Absolutely delighted, obviously to get the first start and then to get a goal as well and then get the three points… that’s the most important thing,” he said.

And on his link-up with fellow striker Alex Reid: “Reidy was getting on the half-turn and as soon as he did, I was looking to get in behind and off the shoulders. We did that a few times in the first half and, luckily, I managed to put one away.

“It’s all about the professionalism in the team and to not take the foot off the gas, and just to keep going and to stick at it, and keep getting more goals and be professional.”

Stockport continue their league campaign at home to 16th-placed Dagenham and Redbridge on Saturday.