Athletic eye home win after opening-day loss
Scarborough Athletic will be looking to bounce back from their opening-day defeat when they welcome Hereford to the Flamingo Land Stadium in the National League North on Saturday, 3pm kick-off.
Boro suffered a 2-0 loss despite a soilid performance on the road in their league opener at last year’s runners-up Brackley Town last Saturday.
The hosts secured all three points with two goals early in the second half, Callum Stead and George Carline on target for Town.
Boro will be anticipating a big crowd for Saturday’s match, and Hereford are also set to bring a sizeable travelling support north.
Athletic boss Jono Greening remained upbeat about his side’s display, speaking after the final whistle at Brackley, said: “I’m disappointed with the result, we knew it was going to be a tough game against a very disciplined team who were very direct.
“I thought for the first 45 we did really well and the shape looked good. The boys’ application and attitude was outstanding, and at half-time we said we just need more of the same but be that little bit better in the final third.
“Start of the second half we did very well, we had a great chance with Michael Coulsonat the back post one on one with the keeper, unfortunately the keeper made a top save and two minutes later we’re 1-0 down with mistakes on our part. A few minutes later more mistakes cost us a second goal. We gave them two goals really.
“The positives are that for 50 minutes we were in the game with a team that have been at this level for a long time.”
Greening also hailed the efforts of the Boro fans who made the long trip south.
He added: “The travelling support was massive, it is always massive it was great to see all the Scarborough fans here today who have made such a long journey.
“We were fortunate to come down last night and that was a big help to the team and thanks to Stuart, and the boys prepared really well.”
Greening is already setting his sights on Saturday’s match with Hereford and outlined some areas where the Boro players need to improve ahead of the home clash.
He said: “We need to be better in this league because the players are better and they will finish their chances better.
“We need to be at it all the time and our concentration needs to be at it. We still need to be better going forward, in the final third and taking care of passes, through-balls, crosses and decisions in the final third.
“But it is only one game and there are plenty of positives and now look forward to next week.”
The new Boro Bar marquee will be open in time for Saturday’s match, with tickets available online until 1pm on matchday. You can also purchase tickets on the matchday at the turnstiles (cash only).
Admission is £14 for adults, £10 for concessions, £6 for 1217 years inclusive and £1 for children aged 11 and under.
Boro also play at home to Bradford Park Avenue on Tuesday night, 7.45pm kickoff.