top of page

Chatfield on "outstanding" Hanley victory


The gaffer could hardly control his words after AFC overcame a one-goal and one-man deficit to beat Hanley Town in style and reach the next round of the FA Vase.


Nicky Darker was dismissed around the hour mark after conceding a penalty, which Dylan Parkin did terrifically to save, before Martin Stayner fired home two minutes later with a well-worked move.


But the Bulls kept fighting and Ross Duggan pelted home an 84th minute leveller before going on to nick the winner as late as the final minute of extra time.


"I had always dreamt of scoring a 120th minute winner," boss Matt Chatfield said after the dramatic win.


"They were a good side, we were down to ten men, we saved a penalty and they went down to ten men too.


"It was an outstanding performance, it was fully deserved... I'm so happy."


In contrast to several less pleasing performances over recent weeks, AFC's fighting spirit was rewarded late on with a Duggan leveller, and was the perfect example of a never-say-die attitude.


"After the red card the lads didn't ponder on it, they went for it and gave it that extra bit - that's what the difference was today," Chatfield said.


Impact from the bench was also a key player on Saturday, and above anyone the gaffer was pleased with the impact of Jack Warwick, who had a hand in the equaliser: "The first thing he did was create a chance, it was a great flick-on.


"It's what we've been asking him to do all season; he's come back from holiday, trained well and just worked well when he came on.


"He injected the right energy at the right time, and so did the other subs."


With a gruelling three-week period of non-stop midweek football next on the calendar, Chatfield agreed the victory came at the right time as a morale boost.


"Most of the lads have played 120 minutes so we need to make sure they get the right recovery, but that's why we've got a good squad which we can change around.


"After the dip we've had in the last few games, we deserved that so credit tot he lads."


Watch the full interview on Bulls TV.

bottom of page