We heard from Mark Hughes, after a big three points at Barrow.
Speaking to CUTV, Mark said: “I think it was really important for the lads as a group. We all feel that we've been getting really close to that win we all wanted.
“We're three games unbeaten now and to finish off with a win tonight, difficult place to come, local derby, so good atmosphere, really enjoyed it. It was one that we wanted as a win and we just need that catalyst just to get us going and this may well be that game.”
On the game as a whole, Mark said: “I think they came with the intention to start really fast and put us under pressure really early to see if they could catch us out, but I think we were ready for that.
“Defended really, really well tonight, really pleased with each and every one of them. Barrow will ask questions of you, they'll keep putting the balls into areas and you have to defend them and at times it's not pretty. We want to play more football than we were allowed tonight, but I was pleased that when we were able to get on the ball, then we showed what a good team we are and a great goal as well.
“I'm pleased for Matty, I thought he did really well, has played really well since he's come into the team. Still not really up to match fitness in terms of minutes that he's had, but he was excellent again tonight, so a good reward for the hard work he's put in.”
That result made it three clean sheets on the bounce for United, Mark spoke on the importance of that, saying: "You have to have that base, that helps. It's not that we're setting up defensively, we're just more resolute I think and there's a determination in the group as a whole to make sure we don't get beat anymore.
“Now we've got a platform, I think the confidence in the team is coming back and when you get confidence and the ability to be resolute and stand up to the challenge, then you've got a real chance.”
On MOTM, Gabe Breeze, Hughes said: “I think we’ve got to the point with Gabe that we expect him to make those saves, I was more pleased really with his personality when he was coming for balls, when all defenders love it when the keeper comes and shouts and claims it and eases the pressure and he did that on numerous occasions and that's a big lift for us. So yeah, pleased with his performance along with many others.”
Scoring first has been a struggle this season, but it was crucial tonight. Mark agreed, explaining: “It doesn't matter what level you're playing at, if you get your nose in front then you've got something to protect on occasions and then you can manage the game out, you're not chasing games, you're not taking risks, you can manage the game to a conclusion and that's what we're able to do.
“You have to do it, that's a big part of the game, you have to make sure you keep your shape, you can't obviously go gung-ho and you've just got to make the right decisions.
“I keep talking about decision making, it's a massive thing in football and tonight for the most part we got our decision making right.”
A raucous, sold-out away end was right behind United all night, Mark spoke about his admiration for the fans: “They’re great, I really enjoyed them and it's great that we're able to give them something to cheer. I think they sense themselves that this group is really trying hard and we want to stay in this league obviously and we're giving ourselves a chance.
“Obviously the teams above us will look at our results and performance tonight and I think they'll be quite worried because I think they'll sense that we're on a little bit of a roll, we're on a little bit of momentum and it's up to us to maintain that now.
“Each and every game will be like what we experienced tonight but that's the way we want it.
“It's the situation we find ourselves in and it's up to us to embrace the challenge and go for it.
“We were just waiting for that one win and on the back of obviously two decent performances at home without getting the reward, I felt we did deserve in those games.
“We deserved to win, I felt absolutely by virtue of how we stood up to the challenge and the quality of our goal.”
Finally, on Tuesday’s clash with Walsall, Mark said: “It'd be great if we can get a home win as well on the back of this one, it's going to be a great atmosphere and we're going to give it a good shot.”
