Howells’ hails Town’s newfound organisation under Still

The 21-year-old was restored to the starting line-up for the 1-0 win at Stockport County in a match that the hosts fail to have a single shot on target all afternoon.

Howells was delighted with such a solid performance and believes it’s all down to the impact of the incoming boss.

He said: “Everyone knows what they’re doing now with the new gaffer. He’s come in and freshened everything up.

“Everyone knows their jobs and we looked such an organised team out there. We proved it, worked hard and had chances.

“I don’t think Tyles (Mark Tyler) had a save to make and they didn’t look look like they were going to break us down, which is a massive credit, the work-rate was perfect.

“It’s a start, the gaffer said to everyone, it’s small steps at the moment and we’ll get there hopefully.”

On what Still has changed since his appointment, Howells continued: “Managers what you to play how they want to play and treat you how they want to be treated.

“He’s got his way of managing and (Paul) Buckle has his own way of playing and I respect both ways.

When a new manager comes in, it’s a clean slate for everyone.

“I got the opportunity to start and wanted to make a point. I think everyone made a point.

“He has stamped his authority already. He’s got his way of playing football and how we’re going to play, whether people don’t like it or do like it, that’s how we’re going to play.

“It’s going to get us results as he’s been through the leagues and got out of this league so it’s proven.”

Howells scored the winner moments after having an almost identical chance deflected by a covering defender.

On the goal, he said: “For the first one, I thought it was going in. It was a great block and then I got an opportunity again and it went in the bottom corner which was a massive relief for me.

“It was the perfect time too, to go in at 1-0 after Fleets (Stuart Fleetwood) had missed penalty. He was unlucky as it was a good save.”

The Welsh U21 international almost netted again in the second half, but bearing down on goal, fired wide of the mark and also the sliding Scott Rendell.

Howells said: “I did hear Scotty at the back post, but I was caught in two minds,

“I just hit it in a place which wasn’t in the goal and wasn’t near Scotty. The most important thing is we’re getting chances to score.”

Although Town are now 13 points off the play-offs, Howells still wasn’t giving up hope on a top five finish.

He added: “Last season we slipped out a bit and got back in there, so I don’t see why not.

“There are plenty of points to play for and plenty of games left between now and the end of the season.

“There are opportunities for us and hopefully we can grab them. If we can get on a little run, you never know what can happen.

“Hopefully we can get the three points again Tuesday as the whole club is on the up again.”

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