Rendell happy to spearhead Town to victory

His first came after some fine work from JJ O’Donnell, while Rendell then tucked away a third successful spotkick when Andre Gray was hauled down in the box.

Speaking afterwards, he said: “I’m happy with where I am. I haven’t set myself specific numbers and just taking it game by game right now.

“I’m happy with how I’m playing and where I’m going. Long may it continue and many more goals will come.

“Getting through to the next round was the most important part, but it’s always nice to score goals and to get a brace is a bonus.

“The first one was good play from JJ. He’s got that in his locker and he showed that a few times, going down the left and he looked dangerous.

“When it’s like that, you just need to get across the front man and get your rewards from that.

“That’s more or less where the ball will go. If you can affect him and get a touch on the ball it’s perfect.

“I’m happy with the penalty too. That’s three from three, and I’m happy taking penalties.”

Rendell almost got his hat-trick late in the game when he was released by Matt Robinson’s delightful through ball, only to be foiled by Boro keeper Ben McNamara.

He continued: “It was a great ball. He (Robinson) really impressed me when he came on. I’ve seen him (McNamara) slightly coming out and if I get a bigger touch on it, he’s dead in the water.

“That’s what frustrated me as it was an easy tap in for a hat-trick, but it wasn’t to be. Two in a 2-0 win though, that will do me.”

Although opponents Nuneaton have been struggling all season and currently at the foot of the Conference table, Rendell knew they were never going to be pushovers having run Town close in both games at Kenilworth Road.

He continued: “We knew it would be a tough game coming here. It’s never easy coming to someone who’s bottom of the league and fighting for their lives.

“We’ve played them twice at home and they made it very difficult for us.

“Everyone who comes to Kenilworth Road is going to be sitting there now, and trying to make it difficult for us.

“If they get the first goal even more so because they can just camp on their box and that’s up to them, that’s fair enough.

“They came out a little bit and there was a little bit of room, but I think Andre (Gray) ran the show. He was brilliant, very strong, ran the channels and caused them problems all night, that’s why we won the game.

“We’ve gritted our teeth and defended well. They’ve had a few chances which we need to stop happening, but we can take positives. We’ve turned our run of three games without a win and will take that into Sunday.”

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