“Nobody cares how you played, it’s about the result!” Elliott admits Boston United ‘rode their luck’ against Brackley Town... but he won’t be feeling guilty

Praise for keeper Crook...

Craig Elliott admitted Boston United rode their luck as they beat Brackley - but he won’t feel guilty.

The Pilgrims boss claimed he was feeling sheepish as he shook hands with Saints boss Kevin Wilkin at full time, such was the visitors’ dominance in the contest.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But in the 86th minute Dominic Knowles scored the only goal of the game to earn the Pilgrims their first-ever home win against Town.And Elliott was delighted that it was his side who orchestrated a smash ‘n grab on this occasion.

“I’m not raving about our performance by any means, we played a good team and rode our luck, no doubt about that,” Elliott said.

“But four or five players were outstanding too, keeper, two centre backs, Dom Knowles really did everything they needed to keep us in the game.

“I always think football evens itself out. We went to King’s Lynn and should have got something, we didn’t.

Tonight we didn’t deserve the result but we got it.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

With seconds to go, Knowles collected the ball 10 yards from goal and struck the ball high into the net to settle the contest in a hame where Brackley couldn’t find a way past Peter Crook and a stoic defensive line of Luke Shiels, Alex Whittle, Simon Ainge and Alex Penny.

“There’s no doubt at times their finishing was poor, the set pieces are so hard to defend and they’re such a big team,” Elliott added.

“It is what it is and we scored at the right time.

“It’s nice being on that side as Boston manager, I’m used to being the ones who’s played well and lost a game.

“I felt slightly embarrassed shaking their manager’s hand as I’m not daft.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“But you pick up the papers tomorrow and read the result, nobody cares about how you played, it’s all about the result.”

Elliott also praised keeper Crook who pulled off a string of stunning stops, appearing to b back to his best following a difficult December.

“I love football because three weeks ago everybody was saying you should be dropping him,” Elliott continued.

“I just said to him that’s why we love it.

“He had a tricky period but I stuck by him and I’m really pleased for him as he got man of the match.

“You’ve always got to come back stronger when the chips are down.”