Hyde FC are looking to feed off their memorable first win of the season when they come up against Marine in the FA Cup Second Round Qualifying at Ewen Fields this Saturday.
After eight months and six days without a league victory, the Tigers finally broke their duck with a 5-1 win over Lowestoft Town last weekend.
And speaking to MM, midfielder Adam Thurston – who is ineligible to play this weekend – is hoping they can use last weekend’s result to spur them into the next round of the cup.
“Personally I’m a bit disappointed because I’m suspended for the game but I’m sure we will be able to progress through to the next round with the talent in the squad,” he told MM.
After 529 days without a league win the 19-year-old expressed his pride in the team for finally getting that vital victory.
“We are still absolutely delighted after last weekends result which gave us the win we deserved,” he said.
“All the lads have worked so hard since the beginning of the season and we have been narrowly missing out on games which has been hard to take.
“It’s a good set of lads with some quality players and we just look forward to the next game and try and get ourselves up the table where we feel we should be with our performances this season.”
Talking about the squad, Thurston believes the close relationship between them was key to getting that all important win.
“The lads are all close on and off the pitch and work hard for each other which is vital,” he added.
“We all know each other really well and I’m sure that was key in keeping us together.”
Hyde currently sit bottom of the Conference North table but the midfielder believes the table doesn’t tell the true story.
“Yes it’s been a tough start to the season but the table isn’t a fair reflection as to how we’ve been performing,” he said.
“Now we’ve got that win I’m sure this will be the start of much more.”
Speaking about captain Josh Brizell, the teenager was eager to compliment the impact he has on the team.
“Josh sums up everything a captain is,” he said.
“He leads by example, he never gives up and works his socks off just as much without the ball as he does with it.
“He doesn’t just act as a leader on the pitch. Off the pitch he’s just as influential. Everyone looks up to him in the dressing room.”
Thurston was also quick to praise manager Scott McNiven and the impact he’s had on keeping the team believing.
“The gaffer has stuck by the team and expected results off us which shows it all,” he said.
“We are a young hungry team in a tough league and it is important the manager sticks by you as he has done.
“With the run we’ve had it’s been really difficult and he kept motivating us even when we were down.
“He has been there through the good moments but he has been there to keep our heads up through the tough times as well. He’s never lost faith in us.”
Image courtesy of Adam Thurston, via YouTube, with thanks
