Caretaker Manager Gerry Murphy talked to htafc.com following the 2-1 win over Walsall at the Galpharm Stadium to give us his thoughts on the game:

"I wouldn't say it was the best of games today. They showed us a lot of respect by stopping us from playing and it made it a stop-start game. They got in our face and I think there was a bit of nervousness about trying to get a result at home, as we've had this monkey on our back for a while.

"They showed me a lot of character and togetherness out there - everyone can see they are pulling in the same direction to try to take the Club forward.

"We came out in the second half having told the lads that we had no need to chase anything - we had to keep it tight at the back. If we scored another goal, so be it but we had to leave that to the midfield and the forwards. We didn't want to take any chances, but what a strike from their lad. There weren't many for the 'keeper to deal with as I thought we defended well, but we didn't pass the ball as well as we have been doing which was a little disappointing.

"We defended well when we needed to today and people were willing to put their bodies on the line. We have come a long way in the last few weeks and we are showing a lot of character and commitment to the Club.

"We would love to have Andy Booth fit and in the box, because the way we are playing at the moment it is crying out for him. If Andy had played in the last two games, he would have had a goal or two under his belt.

"It was a great finish from Michael and a nice little back heel to put the ball in his path from Ian Craney. Michael has got a habit now of popping up and scoring the winner for us and it shows that the goals are coming from playing football in positions at the right time.

"I'm really pleased with the way in which the lads are trying to play football. If they continue to play with the enthusiasm they are at the moment, we won't be far away come the day of reckoning.

"At about quarter to five, I must have looked around 95 - I think I'm ageing very quickly at the moment! You can't believe how it gets to you on the touchline and today was one of those games where there wasn't much that could be done to get us on top. I was looking around for an option and Malvin gave us a new dimension up front with his little bit of pace and by moving 'Robbo' out wide we thought he might get a little more time on the ball.

"This was a big stride for us today, because we had to get out of the bottom half of the League. Our aim is to be there or there abouts come Christmas and I think if they play football in the way they have been training from Monday to Friday, we are not a bad side."

Murphy also explained why he opted for Alex Smithies in goal instead of Matt Glennon:

"Alex has been doing quite well and so I looked at the situation - we were playing at home today and if we don't give Alex a chance, when will we? I have the greatest respect for Matty Glennon and I think he's a fantastic goalkeeper, but we also have a young goalkeeper with a lot of potential so I thought today was the ideal time to see what he is made of.

"I think he showed his promise today. He has bags of confidence and dealt with one or two crosses very well. He had no chance with the goal, which was a fantastic strike.

"Nobody likes to be left out of the side and Matty is no different, but he is a true professional and he supported Alex all the way through - before the game, at half-time and at the final whistle."

Murphy also explained Jon Worthington's absence from the sixteen:

"Jon Worthington called me early this morning and he had been up half the night with sickness, so he wasn't available."

Get your ticket for our trip to Southend United on December 13^th - call the Galpharm Ticket Office on 0870 44 44 552!