County told to keep their cool
COUNTY boss Simon Rusk urged his side to be “cool” under pressure, as Aldershot Town frustrated The Hatters in a goalless draw in National League action on Saturday.
The hosts dominated proceedings at a frosty Edgeley Park on a day where temperatures dropped into the minus figures, but Rusk’s side spurned some glorious opportunities - including a late penalty miss by star man John Rooney.
“We’re frustrated. Looking back, the game was a dominant one from our point of view. We’ve probably done enough to win the game, without actually having that moment which won us the game,” said Rusk.
“We knew Aldershot would have a threat, we knew they would be capable of scoring goals and I think overall we did enough to win the game, so we have to take the positives from that along with the clean sheet and take it into Maidenhead.”
Despite frustration for Rusk and company, the differing fortunes of the two sides was evident at full-time when Shots boss Danny Searle punched the air in celebration.
Former Brighton U23 boss Rusk insisted The Hatters could have no gripe with the Shots’ reaction however, and urged his players to remain ‘cool’ up against sides who look to frustrate County.
“We know we’re going to come up against that. We have to be cool up against that and work hard to earn the three points,” he said.
“I said to the players that they’ve earned a clean sheet on Saturday, and that they created enough to win the game on a difficult surface. We want to get the ball down and play, that’s what we’ve committed to - so I’m pleased in that regard that the lads played it well and created chances.”
“At the end of the day, it’s a clean sheet and a point gained in terms of what we had on the board so we will build on that.”
Rusk did acknowledge his side’s lack of a final product on the day, with striker Richie Bennett skewing a close-range effort wide early in the second-half before Rooney’s 85th minute penalty miss rather sealed County’s fate on the day.
But the new Hatters boss did dismiss any concerns over his side’s finishing, adding that his players will get there provided that they “continue to work hard.”
“I’m not worried. It’s something we can look at. It’s very easy for me to stand here and say that we should have scored this chance or that chance, but the attitude, focus and commitment was all there from the players.”
“That’s really what I’m looking for first of all. We’re not going to be able to turn up and drift our way to wins, we have to fight and be committed and want to work hard, and I’m seeing all of those things.
“The margins are fine. If the penalty goes in or if Richie’s chance goes in, then we’re going away from the game delighted with the win.”
Meanwhile, Rusk added to his first new signing of Hamilton midfielder Will Collar by securing the signature of popular former loanee Tom Walker on a new loan deal until the end of the season from Football League outfit Harrogate.
Walker was named man of the match on his return to the club on Saturday, with Rusk “delighted” by the former Salford man’s impact.
“I’m delighted to welcome Tom in to our group. His addition will add quality and competition in forward areas, and will also improve the depth in what will be a demanding run in to the end of the season.
“It was really good to get him involved on Saturday, and he had a really positive impact on the side.”