Newark Town manager Luke Parsons threatened to substitute the next player he heard moaning during League Cup quarter-final win at Skegness
Newark Town manager Luke Parsons’ half-time words did the trick after threatening to substitute the next player he heard moaning.
Town came from a goal down at the break to win 2-1 away to Skegness in the League Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.
Louis Czerwak scored twice in five minutes midway through the second half to secure a place in the last four.
Parsons had words at the break after growing tired of Newark players arguing among themselves.
He nipped it in the bud and the Blues got their rewards.
“There was a lot of moaning in the first half, which isn’t like us,” said Parsons.
“You usually hear it from one or two but there seemed to be four, five or six at it.
“I got them in at half-time and said it’s like a school playground with everyone moaning at each other.
“I said the next person that moans, I’m just going to take them off.
“We can be our own worst enemy at times but, ultimately, the surface is good so get the ball down and play.
“If someone puts it out of play, get his head up, otherwise no one is going to want the ball.
“I kind of gave them a stern talking-to, a reality check, and in the second half we looked a completely different team.
“There was no moaning, no bickering and we fully deserved to win because the second half was brilliant.
“At the end of the day, we’re Step 5 footballers.
“No one at Premier League level means to make a mistake, never mind Step 5.
“You’re going to get players knocking it out of play or mistiming a tackle or a pass.
“That’s going to happen and what that person doesn’t need is someone jumping down his throat every time he gives the ball away because he then has the right to do it back to you and all of a sudden it’s Chinese whispers all over the pitch.
“I reminded the lads we’d come an awful long way just to go out there and moan at each other.”
Newark were missing eight players through a combination of reasons, including a couple cup-tied, along with unavailability and injuries.
It meant chances for others, with a debut in men’s football for Riley McGregor, who’s just turned 16.
McGregor, the son of ex-Newark player FP McGregor, appeared as a late substitute.
It was a special moment for the youngster.
Parsons said: “Riley’s been training with us for two or three months and I played with his dad.
“He only turned 16 a week or two ago so it was a good experience for him and fair play to him.
“He plays centre-mid but the centre-mids were doing well, so we put him on the left-wing.
“We wanted to get him on as he’d travelled a long way.
“We put him behind Mitch Griffiths, who’s one of the most experienced players in the team, so if anyone could coach him through the last five or six minutes, it was Mitch.
“He showed no fear whatsoever and did himself proud.
“He was buzzing afterwards. It was a good learning curve for him.
“Skeggy away is an experience, making your men’s debut is another experience and celebrating a win in the cup is a great experience for the boy.”
Newark return to United Counties League Premier Division North action at home to Sleaford this Saturday (3pm).
The Blues, three points outside the play-offs in sixth, are looking for a third successive win in all competitions.
They’re nearly back at full strength, boosted by the return of soldier Josh Randall after a four-month tour in the Falklands.
“That’s another positive for us,” said Parsons. “I think he’s been playing football out there. He’s had five-a-side games every other week, which has been good to keep his fitness up.
“We’re back to the league and it’s a chance to try and get another three points on the board.
“It’s good to be in the semi-finals of the cup but the league is our bread and butter.
“It’s nice to be back home after the 120-mile trip on Saturday. It seems age since we last played at home.”
