Match Sponsored by Craven Lambskins
Marcus Bignot couldn’t hide his delight after a New Year’s Day win at league leaders Bradford (Park Avenue) ahead of Saturday’s visit from Leamington to Nethermoor where kick-off is at 3pm.
Rowan Liburd’s back heel added to Kayode Odejayi’s first half header after Oli Johnson had equalised for the hosts to secure a big win at Horsfall to start 2019 with three points.
It was Avenue’s first defeat since October, an impressive run which has seen them lead the league but now Chorley sit top of the table.
The win added to Saturday’s 2-2 draw at home to Altrincham when the visitors equalised late on having initially been in the lead.
Leamington currently sit in 12th place three points ahead of ourselves in 16th going into the game.
The Brakes are without a win since November but have drawn five of their six league fixtures in that time and our clash earlier in the season ended a 2-2 stalemate at New Windmill Ground.
Strikes from Paul Clayton and Rowan Liburd pegged Leamington back twice with Liburd’s equaliser at the death sending us home with a point for our efforts.
Speaking after the win on New Year’s Day Joint Manager Marcus Bignot said “I am really delighted for the chairman, board of directors and most importantly the supporters who are the most important people at the football club. They suffered at the home fixture but hopefully we have gone some way of repaying them now and as we walked off they showed their appreciation so I am delighted for them.”
Speaking about Odejayi and Liburd’s goals and the performance as a whole Bignot added “It is nice to have your front two scoring, I thought they were superb and set the tone throughout with everything we did, we were just delighted in all aspects of the game with the mentality, physicality we brought.”
“But also the tactical game plan we delivered, they go and showcase their ability and that is what it is all about. We are trying to get this group of players to get to their ability but understand the process and what it takes and balancing that with winning football matches as well.”
When asked about the tricky run over the Christmas period the former QPR man said “It has been hard to bounce back since Boxing Day, we have just played top of the table and they are there for all the right reasons and everyone can see why, Altrincham when it comes to football you are not going to get much better than them. To get four points from these two fixtures and be a minute away from getting six is pleasing.”
“First and foremost it was getting the win but the manner we did is extra pleasing.”
“12 out of 12 points is what we wanted over Christmas! If we can’t get that then 11 and 10! It is a difficult period game after game.”
Looking ahead and stating his hopes for the year ahead Marcus said “It is onto the next now, Leamington at home and let’s look forward to that. We have one or two tired bodies in there as they have been through it physically and mentally. We will rest up this week and hopefully get everyone refreshed and rejuvenated and ready to go”
“My hopes for 2019 are that we can talk about being league leaders! It is an important year for the football club, we are looking forward to seeing how far we can go.”
“There’s no let up, it is important this week we rest and are fresh and ready to go for the busy period that is coming up.”
Marcus Dewhurst arrived just hours before the game with Altrincham and the shot stopper had a New Year’s Day to remember “I really enjoyed it as you could tell. Obviously it is like a local derby with the two sides being really close, it is great to get the win in the end, it is good to get the three points today.”
Speaking about his time here and how the move came about the 17 year-old added “I have enjoyed my time here so far and I just want to keep the performances coming and keep my feet on the ground by letting my performances talking.”
“Previously I was on loan at Gainsborough Trinity and had a good spell there but my goalkeeping coach has got quite a lot of links and thankfully this was one of the places and it is a really good club to come to.”