Hinckley AFC manager Dale Belford expressed pride in his side after their FA Vase third round win over Deeping Rangers.
For the second round in a row, AFC overturned a side flying high at a level above at St John’s Park, courtesy of goals from Steve Hart, Dominic Perkins and James Williams.
They also defended manfully against a Deeping side who are good going forward and, speaking after the match, Belford was full of praise for his side’s display. He said: “It was an incredible game and an unbelievable performance.
“We’ve proved again that once we get a head of steam up, we’re hard to stop. We defended unbelievably, and we had to because Deeping are a good side.
“I’m very, very proud of the lads today.”
He admitted that some of the players exchanged words at half time. One or two were unhappy with their displays in the first 45 minutes, Belford said, but was impressed with the second half response.
“We came in at half time and there were a few choice words between some of the lads.
“One or two of the lads weren’t happy with their own performances and we showed a little bit of ill-discipline but I reminded them how far we’ve come in a short space of time.
“We were playing against some good players and it was just a matter of re-grouping, relaxing and reminding them about their discipline.”
He also admitted that his side are using set pieces well, but reserved more praise for the defence, who were outstanding under pressure.
“We had people throwing their bodies on the line and these players are now at the club for the right reasons. We have to be mindful of the level we’re playing at and not get carried away with it because it can put clubs in vulnerable positions.
“Every one of these players is here for the right reasons. Everybody can see that it means something for these lads to be here and wear the shirt.”
The former Tamworth boss wants his side to go as far as they can in the competition and says the benefits that come with that, such as increased media exposure, will only help their careers.
And as for the next round?
“Let’s hope we can get another home draw. I don’t care who we play, and I mean that in the nicest possible way. We’re just pleased to be in the hat.”
