Young keeper Kamm praised by boss as Sleaford win away

The 2-0 victory, which included a crucial penalty save from Kamm, saw Sleaford quickly bounce straight back from Saturday's disappointing 4-2 home UCL Cup exit to Stapleford Town.

I have to give a special mention to Ryan as he was absolutely different gear,” said McGhee.

“His penalty save was massive – that on its own was class but he pulled off some really important saves too.

“Also the way he came out to collect crosses, he is showing ability way above his years.

“It is important to have a keeper behind you like that as everyone can trust what's going on in the game.”

Ben Robson made the breakthrough on 52 minutes before Kyle Onyon made it safe right at the end.

“Second half we were brilliant. But we needed a reaction as I had to get into them at half-time, which I have not needed to do before,” said McGhee.

“Second half we then took control and had chances.

“I wasn't happy after 10 minutes in the first half and was going to change things then.

“But you sometimes have to give the benefit of doubt to the lads and let them find their feet.

“We knew we had to make changes as it just wasn't working.

“We were not keeping the ball well. We were second best and lucky to go in at half-time 0-0.

“I think we escaped as it could have been three or four.

“We needed to condense the pitch a bit more, get control of possession and be a bit brighter.”

He continued: “The season is built on moments like today with character shown when the chips were down and you probably don't deserve to still be in the game.

“Dunkirk were miles better than us in that first half. But second half we did a bit more than edge it.

“Other than their penalty, we had the clearer chances.

“But it's the third game in a row I have not been pleased with the start so we have to address that early doors.”

In Saturday's cup exit, Stephen Parker put Sleaford ahead, but they trailed 2-1 at the break and 4-1 near the end before Lewis Smith grabbed a stoppage time consolation.

McGhee said: “First half I thought we were good, even though went went in 2-1 down, which wasn't deserved.

“Their free kick took a massive bounce in the box. It was going straight at Ryan but just bounced over him and he could do nothing with it.

“For their equaliser, he has got down the side and put the ball in and I think it's just gone in off Reeky's (Kyle Reek) arm into the bottom corner.

“They were two rubbish goals we feel we were unlucky to concede.

“First half we had the majority of possession and we looked dangerous going forward.

“So I thought there was a chance for us in the second half to turn it around.

“First 10 minutes of the second half we came out quite good to be fair.

“We rang the changes and switched formation, bringing players on for extra minutes.

“I think making quite a few changes within a few minutes probably disrupted the flow of the game and, with the change of formation, I think we dropped off 20 yards.

“We went a lot deeper and more defensive whereas normally we're quite attacking.

“So I think we invited a lot of what happened in the second half.”

He added: “We were beaten by the better side second half so I have no complaints.

“But we had players deserving more minutes, so this being a cup game allowed us to utilise them.

“The focus is the league, especially after the last couple of seasons. We want to be positive in what we're trying to do.

“Also, two games in a couple of days is a lot for players at this level as fitness plays a huge part. So we had to be mindful of that.

“I think we were nine unbeaten here so it was disappointing to lose.”

It's second against fifth on Saturday as Sleaford head for Staveley MW and McGhee said: “Staveley were up there last season and are already up there again this season, so it will be a really tough game.

“We have to start the game better. We can't slowly as we will get punished.”