Michael Appleton was pleased with his side’s application on Tuesday night as they progressed to the knockout stages of the Bristol Street Motors Trophy with a 3-0 win over Sutton United.
“I thought their attitude was spot on,” he told the media after post-match. “They just showed a really good appetite for the game. There was a hunger and desire. Since the back-to-back defeats that’s five games unbeaten again now and we’re going in the right direction.”
In particular, the Head Coach was glad to see another Conor McGrandles bag another goal following his stoppage-time heroics at Fratton Park.
“I’ve said it loads of times - I know what the kid’s capable of. I had him for two years at Lincoln and he was my captain in my final year,” he said.
“If he stays injury free and continues on his path in terms of fitness and getting the minutes in, you’ll see a very, very different Conor McGrandles to what you’ve seen so far.”
Appleton is now looking ahead to the trip to Carlisle United on Saturday - the Addicks’ longest away day of the season.
“They’ve had a couple of positive results this year that have surprised everyone. They beat Bolton earlier on in the season. Any side that can turn Bolton over obviously needs respecting,” he added.
“Paul Simpson is a top guy, a real gent in the football world. He did a brilliant job for Carlisle last year getting them promoted,” the boss continued.
With two wins and a draw in his side’s last three away games, Appleton wants to continue the good form on the road.
“We’ve got to make sure that we go up there with the same spirit that we’ve shown in previous away games to try and get the three points.”
