“Firstly, I’m delighted to be back involved after the injury I picked up during pre-season. During that time I kept fit doing what I could on the exercise bike, did rehab and tried to keep myself in the best possible shape for when I had recovered. I’m really pleased to have played two ninety minutes last week and get the match sharpness back into my legs, I feel fresh and really looking forward to tonight’s replay against good opposition in Droylsden.”

2. Looking back at Saturday’s game, were you disappointed not to have won the game on the day especially being so close to the finish line or were you just pleased to still be in the hat?

“Saturday was disappointing not to come away with the win, we had the opportunities to go win the game and a moment in lack of concentration cost us. Having said that I thought the boys played brilliantly for 85 minutes in very tough conditions and I felt like we were going to see it out. Fair play to Droylsden though, they don’t change their football philosophy and made it a really difficult cup tie.”

3. You looked to be so close to the late equaliser too, frustrated to have almost blocked it?

“When the ball was chested down from their striker I thought I had just done enough to block the shot. In fairness to the player who scored, it was a well taken finish as he’s hit it hard and low underneath my body. As a defender its always massively frustrating not to keep a clean sheet, especially so late on in the game. It’s all about how we learn collectively regarding those scenarios and game management. I have no doubt we will come back stronger, learn and we can take a lot of positives from the match.”

4. Looking at tonight’s replay, are you still confident facing them back at the i2i?
“I know all the boys are really looking forward to the replay, this is a competition in which we want to do well in. We are under no illusions that tonight’s fixture will be a difficult one but it’s all about how we perform on the night, maintain our standards and we are wanting to keep our recent unbeaten run going.”

“Thanks to everyone for the support for the first part of the season and tonight, I’m sure it will be an exciting FA Trophy fixture whichever way it goes.”

#ATAW