New Boys Impress Dino

Dino Maamria handed debuts to each of his five fresh faces - Michael Bowler, Joel Byrom, Cayne Hanley, Keith Barker and Aaron Burns - in their 2-1 reverse against league leaders Aldershot and was full of praise for their performances.

"Today I think we've all seen why I brought them here," he told the Guardian after the game.

"They've shown different qualities but most of all I saw a hunger to impress from each and every one. Not only that but Joel Byrom has taken his goal superbly."

Maamria ditched his usual 4-4-2 formation for 3-5-2 for the start of the second half after Aldershot gave him a headache with their fluidity before the break. Richard Battersby, used in an unfamiliar role at left back, was sacrificed along with injured Lucas Akins.

"I change the shape a little bit," said Maamria. "I just felt we did not get tight enough to their players and gave them too much time on the ball. But then we had one lapse shortly after the restart and they got a second goal which makes life tough for us."

He said supporters would need to be patient while the new personnel adapted to their team mates. "It's hard when you bring four or five players in at the same time," he added. "They need time to gel but I'm sure they will quickly. And of course we weren't helped by not having any of our first choice players down the left hand side with Luke Horrocks and Ryan Brown suspended."

One player who did not let his manager down was Michael Carr who, while being stripped of the captain's armband after handing in a transfer request this week, still impressed.

"I thought Michael was terrific," said Maamria. "If it proves to be his final game for the club then I'm glad because it was a performance that summed him up as a player - loads of energy and hard work all over the pitch. I didn't think it was appropriate to have him as captain but at the same time I never doubted his attitude or commitment would change and he proved me correct."

Source: http://www.northwichguardian.co.uk/