Powell performs a balancing act
BURSCOUGH were victorious in a thrilling match against Maine Road on Saturday as they made it through to the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.
David Powell’s side won 4-3 to secure a tie with Handsworth Parramore and will travel to Worksop Town to play the match on September 17.
After grabbing just one point in their previous two Evo-Stik League fixtures, Powell was pleased his side were able to pick up another win and despite a few defensive errors, enjoyed the performance.
“Generally, we played really well. They were a decent side and we should’ve been a little more restrained at times but it was good,” he said.
“I wanted the lads to have confidence and play a little bit more and they did that though they did get caught out a bit defensively.
“We made a few mistakes and that fuelled their intent really but we kept fighting back though. They never gave up either.
“They scored their third late on in stoppage time and it made the last few minutes a bit too exciting for me! It was entertaining for the supporters though.
“Overall, I’m very pleased with the lads. It’s still quite a new team so this was a good result for us.”
Powell is already looking ahead to the second round fixture against Handsworth and is expecting a tough challenge.
He added: “They play at Worksop which is a decent set-up. They look like a handy side. They finished second in the league last year too.
“They’ve had another bright start to this season and have already beaten an Evo-Stik side; they beat Squires Gate on Saturday. It’s an experienced side so we’re expecting a tough test. I’m looking forward to it.”
Burscough now turn their attentions back to the league and welcome Radcliffe Borough at home this Saturday.
Powell’s side are yet to record their first league victory in First Division North and have had an up and down start so far. The manager hopes his side can continue to produce good performances though and expects three points to come.
“Our attacking form has been good but we need to be a bit tighter in defence. We created a lot of opportunities in the last game,” Powell said.
“We need to take that forward and continue that level of performance but we also need to have an eye on making sure we don’t concede. It’s all about trying to find balance.
“They’ve started the season fairly well but they’ve lost a lot of players from last year so they’re still getting to know each other.
“As a result of the changes, they’re a relatively unknown team but they seem to be scoring goals. It could be another high scoring game!
“As long as we score more than them’ as they say! We just need to try and post our first league win though and set us up for the next cup match.
“We’ve got a few injury doubts. Liam Hollett was caught a bit late on Saturday and Dave Ryan was involved in a car accident and has got whiplash so has been told to rest for a week. He’ll be back for the FA Cup clash hopefully.
“It’s a bit of a loss as both have been doing well. We’ll get on with it though. We’ve got strength in depth now and the players have been showing the right attitude.
“Everyone’s been working hard to maintain fitness levels and it’s shown a really good willingness to get into team.”