Managers view on the NFA Cup win.

As the manager of Punjab United I am so pleased with the last 16 win over Higham Town Reserves that sees us progress to the Quarter Finals of the competition. With the tie being switched to Higham due to the Weekly Glebe pitch being waterlogged I knew it was going to be a tough match for the team.

Preparation was cut short for the game with the unfortunate accident on the A6 in Finedon meaning Punjab had to arrive at the ground just twenty minutes before the kick off after a de-tour through Burton Latimer,and the A45. But a large amount of credit has to go to the players who were professional in there approach to the tie and the work rate they put in.

Bobby Bhandal:- Solid handling and three superb saves to take the tie into extra time.

Stewart Hetherington:- Excellent defending in the wide areas with vital blocks.

Simon Kent:- Good distribution of the ball and in the early stages did some good sweeping.

Ahmet Huseyin :- Excellent in the air, commanding on the floor and great communication and organisation with the defence.

Paul Hetherington:- Excellent in the air, commanding on the floor and great communication and organisation with the defence.

Duncan Homer:- Filled in well early on the right wing then added energy in the centre midfield when asked to move inside.

Michael Crawford:- Good in the holding role

Chris Bright:- Grew stronger and stronger as the game went on and found the energy levels to win the game with a great chip in extra time.

Andrew Cox:- Unlucky to hit the post and always a good outlet to hold the ball.

Gary Park:- Willing runner early in the game and stood up to all higham attacks late in the game when switched to left back.

Julian Millington:- Lone figure up front for majority of the game but always put the higham defence under pressure.

Gary Wilson:- Showed some good touches when he came off the bench, and always a willing runner for the cause.

Victor Carvalho:- Came off the bench and worked hard before his link up found Brighty to score.

This win has demonstrated that we have a good squad that can cope with the heavy demands of Saturday football.


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