Hinckley AFC manager Dale Belford says there are positives to take from yesterday’s game despite the 3-0 defeat to Aylestone Park.
Belford’s first game in charge ended in defeat and an early exit from the Leicestershire Challenge Cup.
But the former Tamworth boss said he was pleased with those that played and put a shift in for the club. He said: “There are certainly positives to come out of it.
“It’s a 3-0 defeat, and nobody likes to lose any game of football, it doesn’t matter what competition it’s in, but there are positives.
“Some players came back from injury, some left the club and I’ve called on a few favours to get people in. But the most positive aspect is having five youth team players on the pitch to finish the game. That’s a testament to the club.”
Of those, Belford picked out Chad Timson at right back, who looked calm and assured throughout. The manager said Timson deserved his chance.
“Chad came on from the bench on Saturday and did really well. I thought he deserved a chance after doing well.
“I’m certainly not being disrespectful to the competition, we were in a situation where we couldn’t bring anybody in other than people who were already signed before Saturday.
“That gave the young players a chance and I thought they all did admirably well.”
Another play to return last night was Asa Wright. The former Hednesford man last played for Hinckley more than two years ago thanks to a persistent knee injury, but Belford was delighted with the way the midfielder came back into the game.
“It was a fantastic performance from somebody who’s been out that long. It shows his attitude and commitment to this club, and that’s what I’ll be looking for going forward.
“I’m getting to know Asa very quickly, he epitomises everything I’m about and he’s a fantastic example to the young players in terms of the way he went about things. He’ll have a big part to play for me.”
And with the squad clearly stretched by injuries and recent departures, Belford says there should be some fresh faces in the squad for Saturday’s trip to Coventry Alvis.
“There are certainly things happening this week. We need to do that. There are a few key areas we need to strengthen and all being well, we’ll have a few additions in for Saturday.
“When I first came in, it was obvious that we did need to strengthen. A lot of players have left the club in a short period of time and that’s left us in a vulnerable position.”
To see the full video interview with Dale, visit our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/VQbrHRsxUwQ
