Tom Hounsell hails Burton resilience in win over Scarborough

Posted Sunday, November 03, 2024 by PA

Interim head coach Tom Hounsell was proud of his Burton side as they progressed to round two of the FA Cup at the expense of National League North Scarborough.

Lithuanian winger Tomas Kalinauskas scored the only goal with his first in English football as the League One strugglers avoided an upset.

Hounsell said after Albion’s first win since August: “Unbelievably proud of the players.

“I am actually quite glad we had to dig in deep towards the end because it showed some real resilience.

“I’m really pleased to get a positive result for the players and for the fans because they have been unbelievable during this difficult period for us.”

Albion could have made things easier for themselves but saw striker Jack Cooper-Love’s first-half penalty saved by Seadogs goalkeeper Ryan Whitley.

Hounsell knew his side would create more chances and backed his match winner to show more confidence in front of goal.

He added: “We speak to TK about the ability he has in his own game. We see the quality he has and he probably needs to have a bit more of an ego and to have the confidence that comes from a tricky winger.”

Scarborough boss Jonathan Greening remained upbeat in the wake of his side’s departure from the cup against a side three leagues higher.

He said: “I am extremely proud. I thought the effort was absolutely incredible. The work ethic was unbelievable and we have taken a League One team with very good players and a good way of playing very close.

“We weren’t at our best in possession but defensively the organisation and discipline was great and we kept them at bay for most of the game.”

Greening also acknowledged the superb support his side received on the day.

He added: “The effort from the players was unbelievable and I told them that all the support they got, over 1,000 of them coming down here, they don’t come and support a team like that if they don’t like you and these are really honest players and represented the club really well.”