Taking Pride

The Greens exited the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy at the area quarter-final stage, thanks to an eight-goal thriller against Sky Bet League 1 opposition.

After goals from Lee Gregory and Lee Beevers, either side of a Jake Jervis strike, put the Lions 2-1 down at half-time, another five strikes followed after the break. 

Gregory completed his hat-trick and Aiden O’Brien added his name to the score-sheet, but Adams’ side refused to lie down: Graham Carey scored an incredible 35-yard strike that brought Home Park to its feet, even in a losing affair, and Jervis doubled his tally with the final goal of the tie.

Derek’s assessment of the game reflected its frenetic nature, but the boss took positives from his side’s determination and attacking intent after their lackluster exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Carlisle three days previously.

“The first goal comes from the throw-in,” said Adams, “and we don’t defend the cross from the throw-in. It was a good goal from their point of view – a very good flick-on from Gregory.

“The second goal: they get a header and it goes under Carl McHugh’s foot on the line. We could’ve cleared that. We got back in it at 1-1; we got it back to 3-2 [down], and we lose a goal quite quickly after that. That was the nature of the game tonight.

“It was a good match from the point of view of two very good teams. 

“Tonight, the performance was a hundred times better than the performance on Saturday. I thought it was a very good performance, the way we passed the ball and kept it, and showed a willingness to stay in the game.

“Defensively, we’ve let ourselves down, but offensively we’ve scored three magnificent goals.”