Bards boss reflects on positive display
BOSS Gavin Hurren praised the ‘exceptional’ performances from his players on Monday even though Stratford Town slipped to a second defeat in three days at AFC Telford United.
The loss followed Saturday’s disappointing 2-1 home defeat to neighbours Redditch United but the manager was pleased with how his side responded with both goals from the Shropshire side coming from Bards’ blunders.
“We needed a positive reaction from Saturday because we weren’t good enough,” Hurren said. “I was looking for a” reaction. To come to Telford against the league favourites was always going to be tough but for me, I am so happy with the performance from every player.
“I thought there were some exceptional performances. Across the field we won our battles and created but, and I’ve said this over the last couple of weeks, if you make a mistake you are going to get punished. You can’t do what we have done and get away with it. I am absolutely gutted and I know the boys are gutted.”
Stratford trailed 1-0 at the break following a defensive gaff and this prompted Hurren to shuffle his pack at the start of the second half with the introduction of Josh Hawker.
The manager added: “I thought the change worked in our favour and allowed us to get Hawks on the pitch. I thought he was outstanding when he came on and played some lovely football.
“We don’t want to be that ‘nearly’ team and the last two games it has been that way. We have come away with no points but a lot of positives.”
The Bards are involved in the FA Cup on Saturday when they host Northern Premier side Worksop Town.
The Tigers currently sit fourth in the table are bang on form at the moment having won their last three league games, scoring 15 goals in the process. Former Cambridge United striker Liam Hughes leads the way with four goals including a 15-minute hat-trick in the 5-2 defeat of Blyth Spartans.
They reached the first round proper last season before bowing out of the competition against Stockport County.
Hurren added: “Worksop are a good team and we will have to have a little look at the lads carrying niggles. It will be nice to have a break from the league because we have had a tough month.”
