Man of the match Jack Paxman is loving the attacking principles that are guiding his side’s tactics so far this season – and those were on show even with 10 men yesterday as Fleet’s energy levels were such that they went for the win in the final 15 minutes.
“I think we finished the stronger team,” said the summer signing from Billericay Town. “The sending-off changed things slightly but I thought we were the better team, we were probably better on the ball, we had chances, the better chances as well.
“I can’t speak highly enough of [the manager]. I’m loving it, it’s back in full-time football, which is where I want to be. And I’m looking upwards as well, I want to get promoted. I think everyone’s got the same aspirations this season.
“We’re very fit, this is testament to the work we’ve put in this pre-season, all the backroom staff, LT and the work he’s done with us. We’re going to keep getting fitter as well, which is the best thing about it. But we’ve all worked really hard and hopefully now you start seeing the rewards from that.”
The hard-working side was there in Fleet’s performance as well, however, with an hour of running, closing gaps and covering for each other the order of the day amongst the nine outfield players.
“The boys dug deep,” said Paxman. “At the end of the day it’s a point and we’ll take it. We stuck to the gameplan, we still had a chance to win the game and we still felt throughout the game we were the better team. So although we had 10 men, which made it tough because obviously they’ve got one more player than us, we still felt like we could win.
“It’s a shame we’ve not won. But they’ve got some experienced players, players that I’ve played against before. They’re always going to be a tough side to play against. But we showed both sides today; the manager loves the possession side of things but we also showed the grittiness that this league needs as well. It was a battle all over the pitch and just a shame we couldn’t get all three points.
“Obviously I was happy to get man of the match but it’s all about the team. I just tried to work hard. I’m in there with Payney, he helps me out massively and marks as well. We’ve got a strong group.”
