Ross Jenkins and Andy Ballard made it 4 wins from the previous 5 games on Saturday afternoon by overcoming Hemel Hempstead and picking up all 3 points in a 2-0 victory. A first half volley from Nanao Owusu put City ahead, before Harvey wrapped up proceedings in added time for the second game in a row. City battled hard and their determination was rewarded by adding more points on the board and climbing up to 3rd place. After the game Jenkins gave us his thoughts.

“It wasn’t as easy as the result shows, they’re a good team and they've definitely got better so we were fully aware of their strengths and weaknesses.”

“I thought maybe in the first 20 minutes, they were on top and had to really battle.”

“The boys stood up and once they’d weathered it, we started to play some really nice football.”

City want to stamp their football with their own DNA by playing free-flowing passing football, however conditions and the opponent at the weekend made that play style difficult to execute. However, the Hoops players showed their quality and grit to not only play good football, but to battle and work hard.

“If you can fight and scrap and still win games, it’s fine, but we do want to play a style of football here and a brand of football that is possession based.”

“But there will be times, this is the National League South, where it’s going to be tough, it’s going to be gritty and we’ve got some boys here that can do that as well.”

“When you’ve got a good mix and blend in the team it’s a good formula for success.”

When City faced Hemel earlier in the season, the Hoops came away from Vauxhall Road with a 4-0 win, however, since then they’ve improved greatly under ex-City boss Mark Jones. Both Jenkins and Ballard came into the City coaching staff under Jones, so they know the Hemel boss well, and knew the challenge that lay ahead.

“We always respect Jonah in the way he wants to play and I think he’s really developed Hemel.”

“From when he wasn’t at Hemel to now, they’ve come on leaps and bounds.”

City make an away trip at the weekend to Maidstone United. We hope to see as many of you City fans there as possible. 

C’mon you Hoops!