Match Preview

Whitby Town Assistant Manager Jonathan Franks is hoping for an instant reaction from the Seasiders ahead of Saturday's Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division clash with Ashton United at the Towbar Express Stadium @ The Turnbull Ground (kick-off 3pm).

Town welcome Steve Cunningham's men to the Yorkshire coast hoping to bounce back from Tuesday's night's 4-2 defeat to much-fancied Worksop Town.

Here are some of the topics that were up for discussion ahead of Saturday's home fixture with the Robins:

On Tuesday night's defeat to Worksop Town...

"It was a disappointing night for us and obviously the 100 percent record's gone. We didn't play on the front foot as much as we would have liked.

"Worksop are a decent team but we were disappointed with our performance. There were plenty of things to take from the game, some we can be positive about but certainly things to learn."

On Whitby's recent clinical edge in front of goal...

"It's pleasing to see because that's something we wanted to work on last year. Last year we were basically hoping that a chance would fall to Fewster because nine times out of ten, he'd probably put it away. If it didn't fall to Fewster you weren't sure if you were going to score.

"This year I think it's completely changed. We're creating chances for Fewster and he's putting them away . If a chance falls to Simmo, I feel like he's going to put it away. Greaves hasn't scored yet but I feel like he's got goals in him. Junior's great at cutting inside, Gratton gets goals from midfield, and Alfie's creating goals.

"I feel like we've got got goals from midfield areas and we're not just relying on midfield players which is good to have. As a team, the back line's be relatively okay but we're still giving teams opportunities just by switching off. Good teams will punish you like Worksop did."

On the impressive support from the town in the early weeks of the season...

"Good teams don't lose two games in a row so we're looking for a reaction against Ashton.

"It's been really good to see the big attendances for the first two home games, the atmosphere's been good. It's been an outstanding effort from the fans and I don't think they realise that they are a big help when they're there.

"I know we lost the game on Tuesday but I feel that if the crowd wasn't there with us it might have been a Gainsborough where we lost by a big margin. The support kept us going until the end.

"As coaching staff we want to give them something to shout about. We can do that by playing some entertaining football so hopefully it was just a one off on Tuesday night and we can improve on that."

On the team selection against Ashton United...

"We've got headaches but I really like that because last year we probably knew the team barring one or two players who were in and out. This year we've got quite a lot of variation and it will probably balance itself out when we've got less games.

"At the start of the season it's been Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, so we've thought why should we go into games a little bit fatigued when we've got a player as good as someone who's played the previous match just a few days earlier?

"You've got that to consider but also get the balance of keeping momentum and adrenaline. We've got a good dressing room and no one knows whether they're going to be playing or not so it keeps everyone on their toes."