Daryl McMahon was more than satisfied with his side following the 2-2 draw at Guiseley but confessed to a twinge of disappointment that the home side’s equaliser robbed the Fleet of all three points.
“I think we should have all three points today,” he told BBC Radio Kent’s Charles Webster. “I thought we were outstanding to be honest. First half with the ball we were excellent, second half even better and the two goals we conceded with a big deflection for the first one and the second one, we haven’t defended our box well enough. Ashmore’s made two good saves and they’ve reacted better than we have in the box. I don’t know how many opportunities we had to score today, probably looking at 10 to 15, but it was a good account of ourselves on the first game and the lads are getting clapped off by the Guiseley fans.
“I thought we were totally and utterly dominant. Even at half-time I didn’t see us not winning the match. I thought we had another gear to go into second half which we did, that we would score goals.”
The Fleet boss felt Nathan Ashmore was very unfortunate to see the ball go past him after a terrific double save from Frank Mulhern that led to the Guiseley equaliser. “I don’t think we defended the box well which is unlike us,” he said. “We didn’t react to Ashmore’s saves. We said in the changing room wherever the shot is, we expect him to save it because he normally does, so react and back him up and he deserved that to be cleared. The two saves he made he didn’t deserve to let in a goal.”
Darren McQueen once again flew out of the traps and having been credited with both goals, he’s looking to make a name for himself already.
“He’s claiming both goals,” McMahon said. “He claimed the one from [Weston] hit him and went in. We’ll have a look at it on the video but Westy’s told him it did hit Darren on the way in. It was a great finish and he had opportunities again in the first half with the header and we know he’s a threat, he’s very good when he’s in front of goal.”
Fleet have prepared well for this opening week of the season and the manager doesn’t think his side will look out of place on the bigger stage. “It’s probably faster and like any division when you go up, the two boxes are really important,” he said. “You’ve got to take your opportunities and put your body on the line to stop balls going in. It’s very very important because you don’t get what you deserve if you don’t do them basic things really well.”
Now all eyes will turn to Stonebridge Road for the big all-Kent clash against Maidstone United and, like the fans, the boss is eager to bring it on. “We can’t wait, we’re buzzing for that, it’s a big game and I’m sure will be sold out. We’re looking forward to going home and putting a show on again.”
Listen to the full interview below.
https://soundcloud.com/eufcofficial/daryl-mcmahon-after-guiseley-away
