Chorley boss Jansen: Defence is key but we're forward thinking

Chorley boss Matt Jansen says just a sprinkle of attacking excitement is needed to build on his side's defensive strength.
Terry Gornell goes for goal. Photo credit: Josh VosperTerry Gornell goes for goal. Photo credit: Josh Vosper
Terry Gornell goes for goal. Photo credit: Josh Vosper

The Magpies have started the season with a 1-0 win at Kidderminster, a 1-0 defeat at home to big-spending Salford City and a 1-1 draw with Curzon Ashton at Victory Park on Saturday.

And as they prepare for a double trip to Harrogate on Tuesday night and Boston on Saturday, Jansen believes the goals will soon start to flow

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Jansen says the Magpies are working on improving their output in the final third, with the capture of Accrington forward Terry Gornell and Josh Wilson in the summer aiding that quest.

But he also stressed that he does not want to lose one of the factors that fired them to the National League North play-off final and the brink of ending a 27-year hiatus from the National League – their solid defensive base.

He said: “We had the best defence in the division last season. And if you do not concede then you do not lose games, it is as simple as that.

“We are building from the back and going from there.

“As a former striker it is a little bit frustrating we are not creating as much up front but we will add goals to that base – I am confident of that.

“We have been working on the final third.

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“We want to improve on a solid defensive record and start scoring goals.

“But we do not want to do that by sacrificing what made us so good last year, our defensive strength. We punched above our weight last season and we have got to be realistic.

“I think we have a good team and a good set-up but we cannot afford to spend the money that some of the other teams in the division have. People need to be realistic – we have a below mid-table budget.

“I would like to go out and spend a fortune but we do not have that luxury.

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“We have recruited well up front within our budget this window.

“Terry Gornell has proven himself in the football league and we have also brought in Josh Wilson to strengthen that area but obviously due to a few niggles he has had to be used in midfield so far.

“But they are two exciting signings and hopefully the goals will start to flow - but not at the expense of our defensive strength, there have been a lot of teams copying our system, we just need to add a touch of excitement in the final third.

“We have conceded just two goals in our opening three games and we have played two very strong teams Kidderminster and Salford and a Curzon Ashton team that beat us 3-0 at home last season.

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“There is a long season ahead but I am confident this side can make an impact once again.”

Harrogate have a 4G pitch and Jansen says that gives the hosts an advantage.

He said: “I think it gives the home team an advantage as they get used to it and that is why they stopped it in the leagues above.

“Come the winter though I’m sure I’d be much happier playing on it than some of the grass pitches in the division!

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“We have had Harrogate watched and they are a very strong side.

“They have spent well and they are full-time but we have already played Salford who are full-time and we more than competed, we deserved more out of that game.

“So we will go there confident that we can get a result.”