Burscough FC manager Andy Mutch has praised his captain Brian Moogan

Mar 19 2009 by Philip Kirkbride, Ormskirk Advertiser

BURSCOUGH boss Andy Mutch has hailed his captain fantastic and backed him to drive the Linnets away from relegation trouble.

Skipper Brian Moogan was the goal scoring hero in last Saturday’s vital win at home to Redditch United as he struck an injury time winner.

The Linnets were unable to carry that momentum into Tuesday night’s derby clash at Southport where they lost 3-0 with goals from three former Green stars, Adam Flynn, Matty McGinn and Allan Smart.

Despite the defeat the Victoria Park outfit are still out of the Blue Square North drop zone in 18th place with 33 points, four clear of the bottom three but sides below them have games in hand.

Mutch’s men have no game this weekend but welcome title challengers Tamworth to West Lancashire on Tuesday night, kick off 7.45pm.

Mutch said: “It was a good win on Saturday, the boys worked really hard and it was a proverbial six pointer which we managed to seal right at the end. It was a cracking strike from Moogan who all season has put in a great effort. Not only is he the captain but he leads by example with his ability, he is an excellent player and his attitude is super. The boys look up to him and he is very good at what he does.

“Tuesday night at Southport was a fair result, no doubt about that. The first 30 minutes we competed well but conceded from a set piece, an area we struggled in all night. Southport are a big strong side, a very, very good side and I would be surprised if they do not win the league.

“We are at the other end of the spectrum, have less in the way of purse strings and experience. We have got one or two games coming up against the top sides which will be big asks but for me it is all about the games in between where we need the positivity and spirit to be right, something we have proved in the recent past.

“Our home form has picked up, we now have a little bit of belief and are getting clean sheets and scoring goals along the way but we certainly cannot get carried away with the outcome of games against Southport and Tamworth.”

Mutch also confirmed that Michael Grogan has left Burscough for UniBond First Division North side Warrington Town, managed by former Linnets boss Joey Dunn.