Danni Lay: “We defend as a team”

The acting captain spoke to Head of Media Ash Stone.

The only side yet to concede in Northern League Division One, defensive stalwart Danni Lay confessed the Steelmen’s ambitions ran much further.

The 32-year-old labelled an opening pair of clean sheets as ‘a great start,’ telling Ash Stone he and the backline have plenty more to do in the coming weeks.

Two games. Eight goals scored. None conceded. It’s been a perfect start to the season for Redcar Athletic, and as Assistant Manager Dave McTiernan said, it all ‘comes from the back.’

Captaining the Steelmen into each of July’s comfortable Northern League victories, Danni Lay was perhaps best pleased by successive clean sheets, praising the team’s ability to defend as a unit.

“As a defender, we want clean sheets every game.” Lay confessed. “Two in a row is a great start.”

“The lads know we have to be resilient and aggressive in our shape, but it starts from the lads upfront with the press.

“We defend as team.”

REDCAR ATHLETIC 4-0 WEST AUCKLAND TOWN

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Bestowed the captain’s armband for the opening pair of fixtures this season, Danni told Head of Media Ash Stone he approaches the game no differently, despite the extra responsibility.

“I’ve approached the game exactly the same way I approach every game.” He said.

“As one of the senior players, I like to make sure we have a winning mentality, and follow  the game plan from the gaffer.”

Pleased with the efforts of his players, acting boss Dave McTiernan also reserved a word for the Redcar backline.

“We can talk about all those goals that we’re scoring,” he said, “but it all comes from the back.”

“Everything that we do is building from the back. In possession, out of possession, the leadership skills.

“Like I said, it’s a brilliant start, but it’s going to be a long season.”

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