It was a messy but crucial win for Team Northumbria as they beat Brandon United 2-0 ahead of Wednesday’s BUCS Championship Cup semi-final.
Manager Colin Stromsoy was delighted with his team’s performance but admitted all of the focus must now be on tomorrow’s cup tie with Hartpury College.
“Coming into this week we made a plan,” said Stromsoy. “It was obvious from the squad selection that we’re trying to balance things ahead of Wednesday.
“Sometimes plans work for you and sometimes they don’t and luckily it worked for us against a decent side.
“Brandon (United) came out and played the classic stuff against the students – they were physical and they put their foot in.
“For us, it was a learning curve. We need to make sure we don’t lose our discipline, our focus and at times that happened.
“We gave the ball away too often and it’s not just in that match, it’s happening in other games, and we’ve got to stamp that out.
“In the end, two brilliant goals have won us the game and it’s a game we had to win for a number of reasons.
“Ultimately what I’m really pleased about, is the way we executed the plan that we’d made – we got a clean sheet, no injuries and three points.
“It might not have gone exactly how we’d have liked, but we’ve got where we wanted to be and it’s a really important three points.”
The TN squad made the long and arduous trip to Gloucester this afternoon, in preparation for tomorrow’s semi-final.
“That match is done now,” he added. “Our focus is on Wednesday which is, without a doubt, the biggest game we’ve had this season.
“The guys need to be focused and really disciplined about it because they’re going to be playing a very strong team.
“When we’re up against a footballing team, we have to be really good in possession and not give it away cheaply to a team that will use it.
“We’ve got one of the best squads I’ve had at Northumbria, the players are outstanding – I’ve got no doubts that the boys will go and get the job done.”
.jpg_62276aa9abc9d.png)
