Watching brief for hitman

AFTER a four-game goalless run earlier in the month, County boss Gannon parted with some simple advice for leading marksman Danny Lloyd – to re-watch the video footage of his prior sixteen goals!

Lloyd’s brace against neighbours Curzon Ashton last weekend was followed up by his superbly-taken flick for the opener at Salford, and Gannon admitted that the Liverpudlian’s goals have been “crucial” for County’s promotion push.

“We just knew Danny could get back to doing what he’s done for most the season, getting in on goal and firing it in,” he said. “There were occasions during that goalless spell where he was trying to put his foot through it too much, or powering it straight at the ‘keeper or giving the ‘keeper a chance to get himself in position to make a save.

“But Danny is a top player, he’s a confident lad. We know he’s crucial for us, but he would be the first to admit it’s not a ‘one man team’ situation. His goals do put us into positions to win games, and we know the whole side are capable of seeing it out.”

Lloyd was replaced in the second half at Salford with one eye on Tuesday’s scheduled trip to league leaders – and Lloyd’s former club – AFC Fylde, although Gannon did admit that Lloyd’s second-half booking for a late challenge on Michael Nottingham had played a part.

“We got into a winning position where we could afford to take Danny off and rest him. And we didn’t know with the referee.”

Gannon said the whole squad had a role to play in the run-in

“Most of the lads have been really professional in their preparation for games and their mental approach, and we know that stands us in good stead for the remainder of the season – and if we continue in that vein, hopefully we’ll be in the play-offs.”