Ian Evatt praised his players’ methods and mindset as they re-wrote recent history to take Wanderers into the second round of the FA Cup, writes Pete Oliver.
The Whites eased past National League side Solihull Moors with a comprehensive 4-0 win at the Toughsheet Community Stadium to record a first win in the competition for four years.
The victory was also Evatt’s first in the FA Cup as a manager with Wanderers taking their place in Sunday afternoon’s draw on the back of a seventh win in eight games.
“It’s the first time my name’s been in the hat for six years, so I’m delighted with that!” said Evatt, who had previously drawn a blank with Wanderers and Barrow AFC.
“It’s great we’re through and after the draw we can park that and focus on Tuesday night and getting ready for another tough game at Shrewsbury.
“I was delighted with the attitude of the players and it was a good win for us to get ready for Tuesday night.
“Everybody stood up. We spoke in the week about these games being about attitude and the togetherness of the group; the mindset and mentality and they answered a lot of questions today, so I'm really pleased.”
Evatt utilised his squad depth to balance the players’ workload and game-time ahead of a mid-week trip to Shrewsbury Town when the Whites will be seeking a fourth success league win.
Captain Ricardo Almeida Santos was therefore given a breather after scoring the first-half goal which sent the Whites on the way to victory.
Santos headed home from a corner before Paris Maghoma, Will Forrester and substitute Dion Charles - shortly after missing from the spot - all netted after the break to guarantee Wanderers’ smooth progress.
“I've said to the players we judge ourselves on our processes and performance levels but today it was about energy and attitude and they gave me that in abundance,” added Evatt.
“In the first half we had to be patient. We had some good chances that we didn't take. Paris hit the bar and their keeper made some really good saves.
“Credit to Solihull they fought and grafted and made it difficult for us. But again it shows what a difference it can make by getting set-play goals.
“That helped us relax and in the second half I thought we played some really good stuff.
“If I'm being uber-critical we could and should have scored more. We missed a penalty, but we'll back Dion to score those all day long and probably could and should have had two or three penalties more.
“But it was a really good performance against a Solihull side that didn’t make it easy for us. It's important we wish them well. They are only part way through their journey. They are trying to do some really good things, and the right things, and it was great to see them come and have a go at us and I wish them well for the future.”
Watch the manager's post-match interview on Wanderers TV