Boss praises character of squad

James Rowe praised the character of his squad after going a goal down before defeating Weymouth 2-1 at the Bob Lucas Stadium.

The new manager said: “We were very good for the first half an hour. We had a really good structure and should have been two up. We had three clear-cut chances in that first 35 minutes before they scored.

“When they scored, you could see the frailties for about five minutes. It’s about instilling that confidence and it’s about making sure we get over that adversity quicker.

“That was the only real passage that I was worried about or concerned on the bench. It was a great reaction to the equaliser. There was a good strength of character on that one.

“The second half, I thought we completely controlled it and dominated the space. We had them where we wanted them. They didn’t really cause us any problems and I thought we could have scored one or two more.

“I’m delighted and really happy for everyone. It’s only been two days so we just need some confidence from that and we can build for Tuesday.”

Tom Denton and new signing Akwasi Asante played up front for the first time with the strikers getting a goal apiece.

Commenting on the strikers, Rowe said: “They had a lot of link play, probably more than a front two would have on their first outing. That looks like it has promise. 

“Also when Scott [Boden] came on, he had a couple of chances himself and held it up really well. I thought the game management at the end with Scott was very good.”

The 37-year-old was delighted with the performance and the result, adding: “There’s a lot of positives on the first game. Obviously to win the first game away from home and to see the game out like that with no late goals is pleasing for everyone.”

To watch the post-match interview on our YouTube channel, please click here.