‘Monster’ defender and ‘quality’ midfielder hailed after vital Brackley Town victory
Brackley Town have momentum back on their side as they approach a pivotal home game against Chester this Saturday, November 7.
The Saints can move into the National League North top half with three points and there’s great optimism following a hard-fought 1-0 victory away at 13th-placed Worksop Town.
DJ Sturridge’s 28th-minute goal, a superb finish as he rounded the goalkeeper following a defence-splitting pass from O’Shea Ellis, proved to be enough at KC Sofas Stadium.
From that point on, Brackley showed grit and determination to hold onto their fragile lead. In doing so, the Saints secured the win on what was a first-ever visit to Worksop.
“We are absolutely delighted,” assistant manager James Armson told @BrackleyTownFC post-match.
“Since we’ve come in, that’s our first clean sheet in the league and it’s something we’ve been dying to get over the line. We’re really proud of the players.
“They’ve had to be resolute. We knew what Worksop would be about and a lot of our frailties have been playing against teams that play like this, sticking it on you.
“The way that the lads dug in today, I’m really proud of them for coming away with a clean sheet and a 1-0 win. It makes all the hard work behind the scenes worthwhile.”
Albeit a team effort, there were a few players who stood out – including winning goalscorer Sturridge and the man who notched the assist, O’Shea Ellis.
“It wasn’t a game that was blessed with loads of chances for either team and DJ took his really well,” Armson added.
“O’Shea, the detail he puts on the pass, he shows the quality he has in that moment. Between the pair of them, they’ve won us the game.
“That’s the quality we have throughout the squad, which is so pleasing. I thought JT (Josh Tomlinson) was a monster at the back, the way he stuck his head in there.
“Charlie Cooper put in a real captain’s performance. When Worksop had momentum, he had the ability to win a free-kick to frustrate them.
“To limit Worksop to shots from distance and a few headed chances, it’s an all-round team performance that has been absolutely brilliant.”