Clarke Oduor praised his teammates after the Mariners returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Crawley Town on Easter Monday.

Back in the starting XI, the midfielder produced an impressive display as Town delivered a strong collective performance to bounce back from the disappointment of Good Friday.

Here’s everything he had to say after the final whistle…

On the three points

Oduor admitted the most important objective for the squad was simply getting back to winning ways.

“Yeah, definitely,” he said.

“I think the biggest thing was just to come here and win.

“And we did that.”

On the team performance

The Town man felt the Mariners produced a complete display and believed the scoreline could have been even more convincing.

“I think everyone was definitely at it today from the get-go,” he explained.

“Like you said, we were looking to rectify Friday’s result and we did that.

“It was kind of job done in the first half. It probably should have been a few more goals, but at the end of the day we won and we kept a clean sheet as well.”

On returning to the Starting XI

Having had to remain patient for opportunities, Oduor was pleased to make the most of his return to the side.

“It was good,” he said.

“I think especially at this stage of the season everyone’s got to be ready.

“When your opportunity comes you’ve just got to try and take it, and I felt like I did that today for the 70 minutes I was on for.”

On enjoying the performance

Oduor felt the collective effort across the pitch helped make it an enjoyable afternoon for the Mariners.

“I did enjoy it,” he added.

“I think it just helps when everyone is at it.

“From the back four to the forwards, everyone was putting in the work, so it makes it easy to get on the ball and just enjoy the game.”

On his impact on the game

The midfielder played a key role in several big moments, including the challenge that led to Town’s opening goal and the incident that resulted in Crawley being reduced to ten men.

“You don’t usually see many slide tackles from me,” he laughed.

“But it was just good to be out there and contributing.”

On staying patient for opportunities

Oduor admitted that waiting for chances to play can be challenging, but believes staying focused is key.

“I do think it’s difficult in terms of mentality,” he said.

“Everyone that plays football wants to be playing as much as they can.

“When you’re not playing it can get hard and a bit lonely, but it’s about focusing and making sure you’re ready when your chance comes.”

On the importance of his support network

The Town man credited the people around him for helping him stay grounded during tougher moments.

“It’s family really,” he said.

“My parents, younger brothers, older brother and close friends.

“My dogs as well!

“Having those people around you helps keep you steady.”

On representing Kenya

Oduor also recently enjoyed international recognition after representing Kenya, something he described as a special experience.

“It was unbelievable,” he said.

“It’s always an honour to get the opportunity to go and play for your country.

“We won the last game as well, so it was a really good few days.”

On the travelling Mariners

Around 600 Town supporters made the long journey to Crawley, something Oduor said gave the players an extra boost.

“It’s a massive thing for us,” he said.

“When you come somewhere so far away from home and you’ve got that support with you, being as loud as they were, it really spurs you on.

“It was great to have them there.”

On the run-in

With six games remaining in the campaign, Oduor believes the team must continue taking each match as it comes.

“The most important thing is just enjoying this win right now,” he said.

“Then it’s about focusing on Saturday and taking each game as it comes.

“We’ll need the supporters again, and hopefully we can keep putting the performances in.”

You can watch Clarke Oduor’s full post-match interview with club media below:

UTM