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John interviewed by SevernSport after win against Stonehouse
Courtesy of SevernSport
http://severnsport.co.uk/
John Brough says he was disappointed with Cirencester Town’s performance, despite securing a spot in the Severn Sport Shield Final after defeating Stonehouse Town on penalties, writes Sam Yapp.
Brough’s men were made to work for their spot in Saturday’s final as they found themselves 2-nil down inside 15 minutes thanks to goals from Chris Earle and Magpies goalkeeper, Dan Brabham.
Dan Grieve’s curling effort got the Centurions back in the game before a mix up in the Magpies defence saw Josh Taylor somehow turn the ball into his own net on half time.
“We are a bit disappointed about the result, but we always say that pre-season is about getting minutes into the body. Fair credit to Stonehouse. I thought they matched us all the way and if it had gone their way, I would have shaken their hands and wished them the best for Saturday,” Brough said.
The impressive character from Brough’s side to fight back bought plaudits from the crowd but from the man himself, there was more of an expectation to turn the game around.
“It always shows character to come back but I would expect us to come back, no disrespect to Stonehouse. Second half, we huffed and puffed but we did not create anything or test their goalkeeper apart from the effort that hit the bar.”
The Centurions ran out eventual winners after a lengthy penalty shoot-out thanks to an Alex Avenell flying save before William Pooley stepped up to grab the winning penalty. For Brough’s men this penalty shoot-out gave them the perfect opportunity to practice their attempts ahead of the cup campaigns that will kick off this time next month.
“The penalty shoot-out added pressure and we might have one in either the FA Trophy or the FA Cup coming up soon. So, it was good practice. I could not make out if it was good penalties or poor goalkeeping, but the lads said it was good penalties,” Brough joked.
For securing their spot in Saturday’s final, the Centurions have gained an added advantage of being able of playing on their home turf yet again.
Brough’s side will welcome either Bishops Cleeve or Longlevens to the Corinium Stadium to fight it out for the fifth Severn Sport Shield, but it is believed that home advantage will not increase any chances of Brough’s side taking the crown.
“No, not at all. We had home advantage tonight and we did not perform. But every game is different, whether it is Cleeve or Longlevens. If it is Cleeve, I am sure it will feel more like a league game. Although, Longlevens have recruited well so, they’ll give us a tough night as well.”
Brough could have an advantage ready for Saturday as fullback/winger Jordan Morris was seen during the side’s pre-match preparations working on fitness, as he looks to return from a groin injury. Morris did not feature in the Centurions side, but could be back in contention later on in pre-season ready for the next Southern League Division One Central campaign.
“He [Morris] said he can only work 80 percent at the moment so, he is just keeping his fitness up. He can’t give it that extra 20 percent just yet, his groin still isn’t quite there. It is all about maintaining what he can do so, when he does feel he can go the full hog, he is fitter. It would be good to have him back, but this gives opportunities to the younger lads to get a run out,” Brough said.
Cirencester will be back in action on Saturday in the Severn Sport Shield Final.
This entry was posted on 13 July 2023 at 13:14 and is filed under First Team | Miscellaneous. You can leave a response here.
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