Notts County starting to ‘reap the rewards’ defensively says head coach Stuart Maynard
Stuart Maynard spoke on Thursday ahead of Notts County's game against Alfreton.
By Henry Green
Notts County head coach Stuart Maynard has praised his side’s defence as the Magpies prepare for their first FA Cup game of the season on Friday.
After getting back-to-back home wins against Wimbledon and Harrogate in League Two, attention for the Magpies turns to the FA Cup and National League North side Alfreton Town.
Speaking on Thursday ahead of the game, Maynard was happy with his side’s recent performances – even when they haven’t been winning.
“They have been positive, I think we’ve had results, especially at home that haven’t gone our way from the start of the season,” he said.
“We’ve highlighted it, so clearly that the starting eleven won’t bring us success this season, it’s going to be the squad,” he added.
The head coach was also happy with the way his side has defended.
“We needed a full pre-season to install our structure in the way we wanted to defend because it’s almost the way we want to attack,” Maynard said.
“When I first come in I said it’s not going to change overnight but I think we’re starting to reap the rewards of our defensive structure.”
Maynard also said that a cup run is ‘vital’ for the team, with the County head coach also commenting on the scrapping of FA Cup replays from this season.
“With potentially an extra game in the calendar and the injuries we’ve had recently, it helps us but I’m still a firm believer that I still think there should be replays.
“If you asked me now if I’m happy with extra time and penalties if it is a draw then yes I’m really happy,” he joked.
Stuart Maynard added Connor Grant, Curtis Edwards and Jodi Jones are all progressing in their injury recovery but are taking it week-by-week.
Maynard’s side host Alfreton Town, who sit 7th in the Vanarama National League North, at 7.45pm on Friday (November 1).
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