Mattock optimistic for future road tests

DEFENDER Joe Mattock hopes Saturday's win at Blackpool can provide a pointer to future successes for Rotherham United, particularly away from home.
Joe Mattock on the ball at Bloomfield Road. Pic: JIM BRAILSFORD.Joe Mattock on the ball at Bloomfield Road. Pic: JIM BRAILSFORD.
Joe Mattock on the ball at Bloomfield Road. Pic: JIM BRAILSFORD.

By his own admission, Mattock struggled when he was employed as a wing-back in a 3-5-2 formation in the first half at Bloomfield Road.

Switched back to his normal left-back position in a change to 4-4-2 after half time, the team looked better balanced as they came back to win 2-1 thanks to a brace from David Ball.

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Mattock told the Advertiser: "We went for a bit of security at the start with the 3-5-2 but sometimes in a game like that a simple 4-4-2 is what you need. Because we're used to that formation, the gaffer realised that's what we needed to change.

"If I'm honest, I didn't think I was going to be coming out for the second half. I thought my performance wasn't up to scratch in the first half and I don't know what it was, I just couldn't get going. I've played that position before but for some reason when I got the ball I didn't feel comfortable with it. You have to move on and luckily enough the gaffer kept me on the pitch.

"I was speaking to Richie Towell after the game and I asked him what he thought. He said that sometimes you just have to dog it out away from home.

"We stayed solid as a back four in the second half and looked good going forward."

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Meanwhile, Academy prospect Mason Warren has joined Gainsborough Trinity on a one-month youth loan. Warren has also had spells with Boston United and North Ferriby United this season.

We've more from Joe Mattock, exclusive columns from Paul Warne and Lee Frecklington and all the build-up to Saturday's clash with Plymouth in Friday's Advertiser pull-out.

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