Brixham AFC showed plenty of resolve to bounce back in the right way from a heavy defeat in their previous game as they chalked up a 4-1 victory over Melksham Town on Saturday to secure their third win of the season and move off the bottom of the Pitching In Southern League Division One South table.
Three goals in the final 15 minutes got the job done, with Charlie Johansen amongst the scorers for the Devon outfit.
“It was a performance packed full of purpose,” Johansen told us. “We dug in when we needed to and hit them on the break with confidence and pace.
“On the back of the heavy loss at Hartpury in our previous game, we wanted to make a positive and fast start here, which we did.
“Scoring first gave us a big lift and plenty of motivation which, even though, our opponents managed to equalise at the start of the second half, we didn’t let it affect us as we went on to win the game.
“I always play with determination – some say with too much at times! – so it was nice to be rewarded with a goal as the clock ticked down.
“Finding the back of the net is always nice and I was pleased for everyone that we were able to claim all three points.
“There’s a good spirit here both on and off the pitch. Most of us have been together a while now, so it means a lot to us.
“The next few games are crucial now on the back of this. They are what you would term ‘six pointers’, firstly at Bideford AFC on Tuesday and then home games in quick succession against Bristol Manor Farm and Malvern Town.
“We went into the season with our eyes wide open, knowing that it would be a tough battle, but the key thing for me so far is that we’ve been very much in many of the games this season and have only lost by the odd goal.
“The game is so much quicker at this level, though, and you get punished for any slight mistake or lapse in concentration. Something that a lot of the time you could get away with at the level below.
“This is a good League to be involved in; it’s a big step up and there’s plenty of travelling involved, but this is where we want to be.
“Hopefully I can maintain my performance level and keep chipping in with goals along the way. I want to stay injury-free and get this team as high as we can up the table.
“It’s a big learning curve for us all, but we’re enjoying it and taking all we can from every game, whether that’s a commanding 4-1 win or a heavy 7-1 loss.”
IMAGE: Davesworld Photography
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