MANAGER Shamir Alam applauded his side’s mental strength, after GNP Sports bounced back from two successive victories to beat Littleton in the FA Vase first qualifying round.
Friday night’s 3-2 victory at Sphinx Drive, courtesy of a Chris Lloyd brace and a James Bryson strike, now sets up a visit to Midland Football League Division Two side FC Stratford on Saturday September 14.
Alam said the opening half was the best performance he has seen from his side this term, was full of praise for his troops for snatching a winner against their stubborn opponents.
“The reaction from the players was second to none having lost two games over the bank holiday weekend,” he said.
“It could have been easy for the players and coaches to feel sorry for themselves, but we started really well and was probably the best 45 minutes we have played so far.
“We did make it hard for ourselves by being pegged back twice, but we showed great resilience and mental toughness to go and get the winner in front of our bumper crowd.
The GNP boss was complimentary of the support that backed his side, and hopes that Friday night matches can become a regular fixture throughout future campaigns.
“The turnout was fantastic, it was great to see members from other clubs supporting a few ex-GNP players and our junior section was out in force,” said Alam.
“There’s always something special about Friday night football under the lights – it’s something the league and FA should promote more to help non-league clubs have bigger attendances.”
GNP Sports fans have to wait until Wednesday night (September 11, 7.45pm) for their next taste of match action, when the Raiders visit Nuneaton Griff in the Coventry Telegraph Evening Cup.