After the frustrating defeat to Aveley on Tuesday, Finlay Stubbs caught up with Casuals' attacking midfielder Luke Stokoe to discuss the game and his enjoyment of playing under manager Justin Fevrier.
Luke, it was a difficult game for us against a disciplined Aveley side. What are your thoughts on the match?
It was tough, the opposition started the game brightly and I think we matched it at times, but we conceded two soft goals from set pieces. On another day we could have gone 1-0 up, with me having a good chance, which I should have put away, and it could have been a different game.
It was the team’s first competitive game since 10 December when we beat Billericay Town. How difficult was it to adapt to playing at a competitive intensity again?
We’ve had two friendlies leading up to today, but it doesn’t entirely replicate a league game. So it was difficult to adapt, however there should be no excuses, the boys should’ve been at it today and I didn’t think we were.
With the squad having only just started to come together and you being at the club since the start of the season, what advice and support have you given to the group going into each game?
I have tried to make sure the players feel at home within the group. I feel when everyone plays with high confidence, everyone plays their best football, so if we can try and breathe confidence into each other, that is when we will play our best football.
We’ve had a new manager come in as well. How much have you enjoyed playing under Justin and within his culture?
It’s been really good. As a technical player myself I like to get on the ball and try to play football and develop that way, and that’s what Justin wants – playing in the right areas, creating overloads and playing through the thirds at pace. I have really enjoyed it, especially when playing through the thirds.
Tell us about your previous clubs and your career leading up to playing for Casuals?
Last season I was at Oxford City, where I spent some time out on loan at Kidlington FC and gained experience at step four level. Also, I have had a lot of experience in the Southern League so I know how competitive it can be.
How much have those loan moves helped you progress as a player?
As you progress higher up the levels, the quality improves which does test you but it’s always the physical battle that is tough and it’s the same sort of physicality as last season so you still have to adapt by moving the ball quicker. So I really enjoy the challenge of having to know I have to be at my best to do well at this level.
I have also heard you have a twin brother. Is there any sibling rivalry over who is the best football player between the two of you?
We both strive to be the best and then each other follows. But we are very competitive and we try to better each other by improving ourselves.
We’re in the midst of the festive fixtures now. How difficult was it trying to enjoy Christmas while staying disciplined in preparing for the game?
I’m quite disciplined in terms of what I eat, so I was careful. Obviously, I did enjoy the time spent with family and friends and I enjoyed the day but the focus in the back of my mind was preparing for today. I made sure I did some stretches and some foam rolling, also watching what I ate and drank was a high priority.
The next match is a big one, a local derby away to Kingstonian. How much are you looking forward to trying to bounce back from today?
Yes, I can't wait. We played against them already in the cup and unfortunately we didn’t play at our best that night. So I'm buzzing to be back playing and trying to get the three points next week.