MANAGER: It's a great learning experience

Luke Plange was named as the Vesta Wealth Man of the Match after a stellar showing in the 2-2 draw with Northampton Town.

The Crystal Palace loanee was a constant threat on the right flank, and earned praise from manager Paul Simpson when he faced the press post-match.

"I really wanted him to perform today," said the Blues' boss.

"I trusted him. He's had a good week of training. He didn't show any effects of the stuff from last weekend. 

"I didn’t speak to him about any of that. I just wanted him to get back to training. I spoke to him when I named the team, about what I wanted, and we did a little bit of work in the middle of the week where I think he got an idea he was going to be involved.

"That’s why he’s been sent here, to learn these little things, or big things in fact. How to deal with problems, how to deal with adversity like he had to. I think he’s shown a great reaction so I’m sure he’ll be incredibly proud of that. 

"This is a great learning experience for Luke Plange. He's been sent here and Crystal Palace have trusted us with him and we've looked after him.

"We're trying to do the right things for him and I thought he caused all sorts of problems for Brough today, he really did. 

"It would have been really nice if he could've worked the goalkeeper a little bit more, got a shot on target and maybe got himself a goal. 

"But he can take a lot of confidence from that and it's something to build on for the next few games."

There were only two changes to the side that lost at Blackpool with one of those - the withdrawal of Owen Moxon - due to injury.

But could the midfielder return in time for the visit of Cheltenham? 

"We're hoping so," said Simpson. 

"He didn't have a chance in the end for today, he was still a bit sore from from where he had the injection in his hip. So we'll wait and see how he goes. 

"We are hoping that he'll join in training maybe Tuesday or Wednesday, which will give him a chance for the weekend and we'll go from there. 

"But I've got to say I thought the three boys in midfield were excellent today. So there's every chance that they deserve another opportunity."

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