Bridgwater praises goal star Gyasi after loan man rescues point for Poppies
Kettering Town joint boss David Bridgwater praised the impact of supersub Michael Gyasi after the loan man netted an equaliser to rescue a 1-1 draw at Leighton Town on Tuesday night.
The Poppies had fallen behind to a third-minute goal from Anthony Agemoh-Davies and were struggling to get back into the game.
They enjoyed plenty of possession but were lacking a cutting edge, until Gyasi made his impact, netting the leveller just eight minutes after entering the fray on the hour mark.
Signed on a two-month loan from Bedford Town ahead of Saturday's opening 1-0 Pitching-In Southern League Premier Central win over Alvechurch, Gyasi chose the perfect time to score his first goal for the Poppies, and Bridgwater was delighted.
"Michael came on and made a difference," said Bridgwater. "We knew we needed to get some more bodies in the attacking third to cause them trouble.
"To be fair, I thought Michael was very good when he came on.
"He scored a goal, nearly scored an unbelievable goal, and had a couple of other chances as well, so he made a difference and I am pleased for him."
Four points out of six to start the season is a decent start for the Poppies, but some fans may be concerned by the team's struggle to turn domination into chances.
But that is not something that is overly worrying Bridgwater or fellow boss Nick Green.
"I wouldn't say I am concerned about our delivery or passes, and we basically have stuff to work on at the training ground," said Bridgwater.
"We have to work on when teams do sit in against us, and to be fair to Leighton they were very organised and hard to break down.
"We had a lot of shots and set-pieces as well, so I wouldn't say I am disappointed we just have lots to work on."
And he added: "Even though we didn't get the points, I definitely enjoyed the football we played.
"I think we must have had 80 or 70 per cent possession easily.
"There were numerous chances created, and if I were a Kettering fan I would have enjoyed watching that, although obviously you want the three points as well."
The Poppies are back in league action on Saturday when they make the trip to a Leamington side relegated from National League North last season.
The Brakes have started the season with a 4-2 defeat at Real Bedford on Saturday, and then a 1-1 home draw with Anstey Nomads on Tuesday.
Quotes courtesy of Peter Short