Hinckley AFC manager Dale Belford was full of praise for his side’s second half performance despite defeat to Walsall Wood.
In a perfect example of the cliched game of two halves, AFC were on the back foot for spells in the first half as Wood made use of having the wind behind them.
The tables were turned after the break, with Hinckley dominating but unable to find the equaliser that they deserved.
And Belford said it was a high quality game which has side were unfortunate not to come out of with a point. He said: “I thought it was an unbelievably good game for this level of football. It was two teams who were bang at it from the first whistle to the last, and for anybody who’s watched it, that was testament to this league.
“But unfortunately we’ve come out on the wrong side of it, and we’ve come away with nothing.”
“They were the better team in the first half, and we were on the back foot for spells, but the second half was one way traffic. That’s credit to our boys who worked tirelessly and gave absolutely everything.
“I’m pleased in one way, but obviously disappointed at the same time because we don’t get to return with any points.
“Walsall Wood are a good side, there’s no doubt about it. They’ve got some good players. On reflection we should have got something, but that’s football.”
Belford said the conditions, a strong breeze blowing from corner to corner, made things difficult and he felt his side should have dealt with them better before the break.
“We were mindful of the conditions before the game. The weather was a bit blustery but it’s the same for both teams.
“We didn’t deal with it particularly well in the first half, we were a bit too deep for my liking if I’m being ruthless, but the effort out of possession was good.
“The second half was a different game and it was the proverbial game of two halves. I’m very pleased in defeat, if you can be, with the effort and commitment shown by all the players.
“That’s a good group of lads in there now. They’re all honest and hard working, and they all want to play for each other.”
With Hinckley a side still gelling and getting to know each other, the former Tamworth boss praised the, for competing so well with a side many are tipping to win the league this season.
“I don’t like losing any football match. But they were camped in during the second half and couldn’t get out of their own half, they barely had a chance.
“The way we played in the second half, and the way we moved the ball around, that’s my sort of team. That’s the way I want to play.
“But we have to have a ruthless steel about us defensively and I think the two goals, both own goals, could have been prevented.
“But credit to the lads, they’ve given everything and I can’t fault them.”
