Gee delighted despite defeat

Rainworth Miners manager Kevin Gee says he's a happy boss despite watching his side lose 3-0 at home on Saturday to Conference North Boston United.

Gee reckons that apart from the result, it was a case of positives all the way for his Evo-Stik NPL Division One South team.

They came out of a game against a side two leagues higher with enormous credit says Gee, who is delighted by the brand of passing football his side are playing and hoping it'll draw increasing numbers to Kirklington Road for the coming campaign.

Gee said: “I’m pleased as punch and when I look at where we are now compared with four weeks ago I can only be delighted.

“Against a side the quality of Boston we looked magnificent going forward, we passed the ball around well, we created chances, as many as they did, and the only down side was that all three Boston goals came from set plays.

"But that is something which can be coached out between now and the start of the season. And it says much for the attitude within the dressing room that our players were disappointed that, against a very good side, they have lost a match which most people would have expected us to lose.

“But I immensely enjoyed watching the way we played. We know that the division is going to be a much tougher one this season, but you have to be brave enough to get the ball down when it is in the air.

“Every pre-season game has its own objective, and that was ours for this one, so I didn’t really care if we lost by three or four. The players have done what has been asked of them, and no manager can ask for more than that.

“It was a good work-out for both sides, played in a good spirit, and Jason Lee [Boston manager} was also impressed by our play. It was their first visit, but I believe we have made new friends and they will want to return next season.

“We are still four weeks away from the start, and a lot can happen in that time. I know the areas where we still need to improve, and I believe we are just two players short of being a really good side at this level.

“The big difference between now and last season is that we are much better prepared, we have experienced Evo-Stik League players, whereas last season I understand it was a bit of ‘a wing and a prayer’.

“We’ve now signed Blair Anderson who has been sent out from Alfreton. He’s a young, raw talent with good feet and looks great going forward. He’s still learning his trade, but he’s an exciting prospect.”

Gee's next chance to test his team comes next Wednesday night when Mansfield Town manager Paul Cox is promising to send a strong side, with the Wrens hoping for a bumper gate against their Conference Premier near neighbours.