MICHAEL JONES ON THE SEMI FINAL
After Saturday’s game with Thame I spoke to manager Michael Jones about the play-offs. Obviously a 5-0 defeat was not the ideal preparation but there were mitigating circumstances. Michael chose not to play his strongest team and told me he had no regrets over the team he selected. He felt that he needed to rest key players to try and avoid them picking up injuries or red cards with the play-off semi-final on Wednesday. While he wanted to win the game in reality Hitchin had nothing to play for while Thame had to go at full strength to gain the point they required to make the play-offs.
Michael was disappointed with the way we finished the game conceding two late goals and the early red card made it an uphill battle but he felt the game saw one team who urgently needed to win against a team with half an eye on Wednesday. Thame were impressive on the day but that did not surprise Michael who thought they played as he expected. They were at full strength whereas we will make at least six changes for the semi-final.
Michael was quick to reassure supporters they will see a very different Hitchin on Wednesday. The squad all saw that Thame would be dangerous opponents and the defeat was a good wake up call and there will be no complacency as all the players realise they will need to perform to the same high standards they have been showing all season.
Turning to the supporters Michael urged them to turn out in big numbers and to be the twelfth man on the night. He told me the supporters had had a massive impact on the season and the great atmosphere they have created and the increased noise levels have really inspired the team. The players want to reward the supporters’ loyalty and to cement the togetherness that has grown over the season.
Michael is confident and knows the players will give their all to achieve the aim of reaching the play-off final on Monday.
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