Wealdstone boss Neil Gibson said, "In the National League, anyone can beat anyone on their day, and Stones fans made the noise to drive the team over the line," as his side beat Ebbsfleet to secure their third win in a week.
On a lukewarm and sunny day at Grosvenor Vale, Gibson maintained an unchanged starting lineup as The Stones claimed their third consecutive win, moving one point clear of the relegation zone. Currently teetering at the wrong end of the table, the 4-2 win was a vital lifeline in the high-stakes battle for National League survival.
Here's what The Gaffer had to say:
"You could tell the first sort of 10 or 15 minutes the intention of the players was to get on the front foot. That's what we've largely spoken about. It didn't quite happen. You could see the exploits of how they exerted themselves on Saturday and Wednesday."
Although Ebbsfleet might be rooted at the bottom of the table, Gibson doesn't think his side had it easy.
"It was really, really difficult to get a foothold in the game. Obviously, Ebbsfleet is fighting for everything they've got and picked up some really good results recently, so for us to score four is really pleasing."
"We're disappointed with the goals we gave away; we addressed that at half time, we addressed certain issues about how we can be better in possession where the opportunities will come from; a little bit more patience in the final third, and just upping our quality levels and our energy levels."
At 2–2, with the game open, the Stones boss remained confident that his side could secure all three points. Even if the winning goals came later than he would have liked.
"I always felt that if we got to where we can get to in terms of our levels, then we would have enough to go on to win the game, but ultimately, it probably came a little bit later than we liked to, but unbelievable three points because any game at this level to three to pick up three points is a massive shift."
Reflecting on the team's mentality after coming from behind twice to secure a crucial three points, Gibson added:
"I can say it, and I can talk about it, and the players have to believe it, and the players again, absolute to a man, have been magnificent. A lot of players there have played three games in 7 days and three victories. A big, long trip to Yeovil, a trip on Wednesday night, so a day less in terms of recovery, but we grouped on Friday, and they responded really well."
An intense run of four games in ten days would stretch most squads, yet The Stones had bodies on the bench to make a difference with a triple substitution.
"What was really helpful to us was that we got some bodies back on the bench, so the bench looked a lot stronger for us in terms of personnel that have the experience to come on and change games. Obviously, the lads were fantastic throughout the game in terms of their attitude and application, but being about to bring on a triple change at 65 minutes with Cookie, Al, and Enzio reinvigorated us, and we went from strength to strength and went on to win the game."
"I wouldn't say we won the game comfortably because Ebbsfleet was throwing the kitchen sink at us; even with a man down in the last 5 or 10 minutes, it didn't make that much of a difference."
The fans drove us over the line.
"I thought the players, to a man, were excellent; first half, not as good as we would have liked to have been, but the second half, we got on the front foot and scored the goals, and then the fans came with us and started to make the noise to drive us over the line."
On scoring on the verge of half-time, Gibson observed:
"Harrison took his chance really well; it came out to him, and he moved his feet well, and we know his quality. That gives you a bit of belief and momentum going into the break because it will obviously be a sickening blow for Ebbsfleet, who are fighting for their lives."
Reflecting on the second-half momentum, he said:
"We know that three games and three wins make a massive difference in a week; the extra 9 points are massive for us within the league as in where we want to try and get to and what we want, but in the National League, anyone can beat anyone on their day. Some results today have meant that the 9 points we've got this week are so pivotal."
"We've got a real good group full of character; I keep going back to it; the Gateshead game was almost a flick of a switch. Looking back at it, we had more possession than Gateshead, but the moments that Gateshead showed the quality meant that the game looked like a really poor scoreline on our behalf.
"It allowed us to reset, and we reset quickly, and the players have been fantastically driven. In terms of what we're asking from them, staff have been fantastic. Because when you're going around on a loop, game Wednesday night, back in for training Friday, and then the game on Saturday. A lot of work goes in behind the scenes to ensure the game plans are right.
"We'll study tonight and tomorrow how we think Boston will play, we'll get the game plan ready, and the players will be in on Monday, and the idea is to hopefully keep it moving forward and get another three points, which will be very difficult against a good Boston team that is improving.
Next up for The Stones at The Vale is Boston United
Stones take on 23rd-placed Boston United in another huge National League clash at The Vale this Tuesday. The team needs all your support as we try to climb up the table together. Tickets purchased in advance are always cheaper; BUY NOW.
Written by Peter Sharples