HEREFORD manager Josh Gowling was pleased with his side’s resilient display as they ran out 1-0 victors over Nantwich Town in the FA Trophy third round.
On a wet afternoon in Chester a second half goal from Lenell John-Lewis separated the sides as the Bulls saw out pressure in the dying moments to take a fourth round spot.
“They are big banana skins those games,” said Gowling talking to Keith Hall.
“I thought we were excellent in the first half and then in the second half it obviously poured down, the pitch cut up and it was very difficult to play.
“It was nice to see that we had the other side of our game where we could mix it up a bit, play a bit more direct and play off second balls which was pleasing.
“Credit to them they’re not a bad side. They worked hard, made it difficult for us, got in our faces and kept going right to the end.
“We’re just glad to be through. We wanted to use it as a league game and that’s what our mentality has to be.
“We want to win as many games as we can and take it game by game. Having three wins on the bounce is excellent going into the Christmas period.
“A lot of the lads we’ve brought in are used to winning and they showed that spirit out there. I’ve played in these games where you get turned over.
“Our lads today stuck to their mettle were professional and it was really pleasing. As a manager it’s kind of pleasing in a sense that we won 1-0, the lads have dug in, looked solid, resilient and weren’t broken down.”
RELATED NEWS:
Hereford were without Jared Hodgkiss who missed the tie through injury and was replaced by former Cardiff City youngster Dylan Jones making his first full appearance in the Hereford shirt.
“Dylan has been with us all pre-season so knows what is expected of our full-backs,”
“He’s probably more of an attacking player but putting him in there one versus one he’s a big size, quick and strong.
“It took him probably five or 10 minutes to get a feel for the game but after that, especially in the second half he pushed them back really well.”
Senior defender Dan Jones came off against Nantwich with a thigh problem adding to Hereford’s injury list.
“It’s difficult because the season has been so stop, start and with that you start to get muscle injuries,” added Gowling.
“That’s the reality of where we are at the moment. It’s really frustrating but we’ve got players like Dylan who have come in today put the shirt on and played for the team, he was excellent.
“When the lads get the opportunities, they’ve got to take them.”
