Western Morning News (Saturday)
Griffiths hopes Barnstaple are not made to regret wait for return to action
Barnstaple Town manager Dave Griffiths says the timing of last weekend’s break from Southern League action could not have been worse, on the back of claiming their longawaited first win of the season a week earlier, but he is confident his players can pick up from where they left off when they entertain Winchester City today.
At the tenth time of asking, Barum finally had a win to celebrate, and in emphatic fashion too, as they romped to a 4-1 Division One South win at Paulton Rovers.
It has been a frustrating season so far for Griffiths and his players, as their hard work and promising performances had previously gone unrewarded.
Griffiths admitted he was feeling the pressure following a disastrous start to the campaign, which brought nine straight league defeats, but he is hopeful that their success at Paulton can now provide the springboard for their season.
He said: “I’m not sure I’ve woken up yet, and whether it was true or all just a dream! It’s just unfortunate that we couldn’t carry that on straight away. It really was a fantastic feeling to get that first win of the season.
“The reaction of the players in the dressing room was great to see because they’ve deserved that. We’ve played much better in other games and lost. It was relief more than anything and hopefully we can pick things up again against Winchester on Saturday.
“It has given us a bit of confidence and belief that we can go on and win more games. We know we can get over the line and win games now, and it’s important we now build on that first win.
“It won’t mean anything if we go on to lose a load more games, but it’s onwards and upwards and the players can’t wait to get going again this weekend.”
Barnstaple were without a game last weekend as other clubs in their division were involved in the FA Trophy. Winchester were in league action, however, and they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Highworth Town.
The Hampshire side, who were knocked out of the FA Cup by Torquay United last month, are currently 12th in the table.
Griffiths said: “They are a good side, and have had a really good FA Cup run this season before they lost to Torquay, but the players are really looking forward to this one and hopefully we can have another win to enjoy.”