The Blues boss had just watched his side deservedly pick up their first win of the campaign at Garforth.

But he remained distraught at their performance in Saturday's opener at home to Mossley.

So much so, that he has apologised to the supporters who came through the Shawbridge turnstiles.

Speaking on the reasons for the 2-0 defeat, he said: "Nerves, everyone was too hyped up, and maybe after the performance against Buxton the week before, a lot of them thought they could just turn up against anyone and beat them.

"But I drilled it into the lads to forget about who they were playing, they have to go and do the horrible side of the game; dominate the game, get in their faces, win your headers and your tackles, and then your skill will come through.

"That didn't happen on Saturday, and I apologise to everyone that came through the gate and watched that dismal performance.

"We had a chat at half-time, made a couple of changes and came out a different side, but by that point the game was lost.

"But I've put it away, I've learnt a lot from that game, and I've forgotten about Mossley now.

"I'll remind the lads about it as the season goes on, because they never want to have that feeling ever again, but it's gone now.

"We've built up something special here, and we don't want it all to be undone in one poor performance against Mossley.

"We've got three points out of six now, and that is a good start for us."

And he admitted, following the Mossley performance, Tuesday night was a welcome relief: "Of course I'm relieved, probably every manager in the league wants their first three points.

"I'm not making any excuses for Saturday, we weren't right – from our make-up before the game, to our attitude and our shape.

"I take a bit of blame for that, but I talked to the lads, questioned their passion for the club and asked them if they did want to be a part of it, and I've told them that every time they turn up for this great club, they've got to treat it as a cup final, whether it is training or it's a game.

"And I think tonight, you've seen how much the lads want to be here.
"Although we made a few defensive mistakes, our team spirit and our work ethic was right, and I am delighted."

One player who has stood out in the two games to date has been striker Carl Lomax.

He got off the mark for the season with the second at Garforth, and Reynolds added: "Carl Lomax is a fantastic player.

"I've made him skipper, but he loves it here – he has had a few clubs in time, but he's really settled down here and the fans love him.

"He just loves being here, and you can see every time he pulls that shirt on, he wants to do nothing else but do well for the club.

"He was so down after Saturday and so apologetic, and I said 'don't beat yourself up about, just make sure the lads put it right on Tuesday'.

"And they did, but all the strikers were fantastic – Anthony (Johnson) and Carl have both taken their goals well, Craig (Sargeson) has done a little bit of magic for his and Ryan Fisher has come off the bench and scored.

"To be fair we could have had a few more, but we have that win and that's why I'm delighted."



Clitheroe will be running a coach to Saturday's game at Ossett Albion (kick-off 3 p.m.), setting off from the Bridge Pub at noon.

Those not wishing to travel to the Warehouse Systems Stadium can take in Clitheroe Reserves, who host either Darwen or Formby in the Lancit Lancashire League (kick-off 3 p.m.).



Sunday sees Blackburn Rovers Ladies play their first game of the FA Women's Premier League season.

Shawbridge plays host to their game with Chelsea, installed as many people's outsiders for the title. The game kicks-off at 1 p.m., with admission at £3 for adults and £1 for concessions.