Derek Goulding praises Burscough’s spirit

Oct 18 2012 Skelmersdale Advertiser

BURSCOUGH manager Derek Goulding believes there is still more to come from his side - but praised their fighting spirit in the draw with Warrington Town.

Darren Brookfield struck his fourth goal in as many games to level the game at Victoria Park on Tuesday night to help extend the Linnets' unbeaten run to two games.

Ahead of this weekend's trip to Harrogate Railway Athletic, Goulding has taken his side's battling qualities as a positive from the game but knows they can perform better.

The Linnets will be fancied to get three points from their trip to Yorkshire with Harrogate languishing in 18th position in the Evo-Stik First Division North though Goulding is under no illusions, saying it will be a major test.

"A positive is that we went behind and came back but I don't think we played as well as we had done on Saturday or in the last couple of games," Goulding said of the Warrington draw.

"Especially in the second half, we didn't play as well as we can but we did stick at the game.

"A lot of teams throw money at it but it is no guarantee of success. But, it is still nice to see that we are capable of competing with sides who are investing in the squad.

"Performances on a Saturday have generally been better than in midweek.

"We are looking for that to continue.

"We don't know a great deal about Harrogate as we are new to the level but we can expect a tough game."

Burscough have a positive goal difference after nine league matches and Goulding feels his side have managed to tighten up their backline.

"There have been a lot of factors in our improvements at the back and tightening things up," he said.

"Dave Roberts has played a good part in that and though he is only 24, he has a lot of experience at the level which always help.

"Liam Duff is a really promising young player and is showing potential. And that is all backed up by having a solid goalkeeper.

"Tim Horn first came to my attention when I was manager at AFC and so we have kept an eye on him."