by BAILEY EWERS-SMITH

HOLLAND FC manager Paul Phelan believes his new signings “showed their quality” in Saturday’s dramatic victory against Little Oakley.

Matt Gray and Steve Downes scored late goals as the coastal side came from behind to win 2-1, in the Thurlow Nunn League first division south contest at the Memorial Ground.

Oakley, who went into the match as league leaders, were winning at half-time following an unfortunate own goal.

However, Phelan still believed his side could come away with the points.

“I know they were top but I’m building a new squad and nothing is a shock to me, because I expected to win,” said the Holland boss.

“I expect us to beat teams like that.

“We’ve got more quality around the pitch and showed that.

“I’ve brought a few players in because I felt we needed to strengthen, with one of the boys being the goalkeeper on loan from Colchester United (Ted Collins).

“We’re a work in progress, so it’s a long-term thing, but I’ve identified that we needed a personnel change.

“Sometimes you need a bit more quality and that’s where they (the new signings) come in.

“They showed their quality, got on the ball and looked after it a little better.”

Phelan has his sights firmly set on promotion this season.

“If you look at the teams at the top of the table, they’re all beatable,” he said.

“I anticipate that we’re going to get out of this league and hopefully that will be this season.

“I’m working with players that are having to gel during the season, where, ideally, that would be done during pre-season.

“It’s kind of off the cuff, but my hands are tied.

“We also do a lot of training.

“I’m obsessed with certain things in training and think it’s showing on the pitch.

“I’ve got a slightly different pattern of play and that’s personnel-based.

“Before we would have done something a little bit different.

“Now we’ve got people who can look after the ball a little better.”