Gaffer sets ‘next level’ challenge
COUNTY boss Dave Challinor has laid down the gauntlet to his “fantastic side” to “take themselves to the next level”, as The Hatters eased to a potentially significant three points at struggling Grimsby Town on Saturday.
First-half goals from Antoni Sarcevic, Tanto Olaofe and new boy Lewis Cass set County on their way to a 1-3 win at Blundell Park, with Abo Eisa’s second-half consolation the only blot on County’s record for the day.
In a win which took County eight points clear of the play-off positions with a game in hand amid the race for automatic promotion, Challinor revealed his delight at his side’s “menacing” performance.
Sarcevic’s early opener came from a goalkeeping mistake by youngster Harvey Cartwright as the hosts attempted to play out from the back, before Olaofe and Cass all but sealed the win before halftime.
“We knew Grimsby would try and play out and we set traps in that respect to jump all over that. It worked really well for us,” said Challinor.
“The front four were an absolute menace for us. It’s great to have Sarce back, he is pivotal to what we do and really helped set the tone today.”
Eisa’s close-range strike early in the second half proved nothing more than a consolation for the home side, but Challinor did challenge his players to improve on a particular area of their game.
“I’m being ultra critical, but the area I think we can improve is ‘seeing the game out’,” said Challinor.
“We’re a fantastic team, but I think that is something we can get a little better at. When we get ourselves into commanding positions as we did on Saturday, we then have to work even harder to keep the ball, and then assess what we do with it when we do keep it.
“But it’s a huge positive that that’s my only tiny ‘gripe’ after a 1-3 away win.
“I’ve patted the players on the back quite rightly, and they know what we can all work on to improve and take ourselves to that next level as a side.”
Ahead of the mouthwatering visit of Cheshire neighbours Crewe Alexandra to Edgeley Park as the Express went to print on Tuesday evening, Challinor would potentially have further boosts to his side following the successful return of Antoni Sarcevic.
Key men Will Collar and Kyle Wootton are both on the cusp of a return, with the duo “chomping at the bit” to force their way back into the title favourites’ line-up after respective injury absences.
“Will absolutely flying in training and in his recovery, and could be available Tuesday - but we won’t risk anything,” said Challinor.
“Kyle is more likely to be back for Saturday (for the trip to Tranmere Rovers), but we just won’t heavily risk anyone at any point and throw them in for the sake of it.
“I would suggest, though, that neither of them would accept being told that they’re not ready for this coming weekend!”
Meanwhile, Challinor confirmed that defender Akil Wright is “likely to be out for a minimum of a couple of weeks” ahead of a scan on a hamstring injury picked up in the win at Grimsby.
Challinor, who felt that the Blundell Park pitch was “tricky” and may have played a part in Wright’s injury, is content with the options available to him in Wright’s absence.
“The positive side of Aki missing a few weeks, if that is to be the case, is that I do have options there. Neill (Byrne) slotted in on Saturday, and we have others available to cover a few eventualities,” he said.
“We do have to remind ourselves that we’re in a good place and full of confidence, and that can be difficult to do when you pick up injuries.”
Crewe jumped up to third with a 1-0 win over Crawley on Saturday, whilst The Hatters would return to home comforts seeking to seal a league double over The Railwaymen.
“Both sides are in a good place, and both sides go into it thinking they can seize an opportunity,” said the County boss.
“We know Crewe’s threats, we’re confident in where we are as a side, and we know what midweek fixtures under the floodlights at Edgeley Park can bring.”