Brackley Town boss Gareth Dean jumps to defence of ‘brilliant’ attacker after firing Radcliffe blank
Gareth Dean certainly isn’t panicking following Brackley Town’s sixth National League North loss of the season, with plenty of encouraging signs amongst the frustration.
The Saints were condemned to a narrow 1-0 defeat by Radcliffe on Saturday, with Josh Tomlinson’s unfortunate own goal the only separator in the punishing St James Park rain.
Admittedly, it wasn’t the greatest performance in the final third, particularly in the second half, but Brackley were much more competitive in their duels compared to the 3-2 loss at Hednesford Town a week earlier.
“I can’t fault their application, hard work and desire as all of that was there,” Dean said afterwards.
“We were really aggressive and we turned their ball over in their half numerous times with the high press.
“I was really pleased with the press and the structure, it was just that ruthlessness and that execution (that lacked).
“Sometimes you have to applaud the opposition. I thought they defended their box brilliantly, their goalkeeper made an unbelievable stop from Fin (Roberts).
“We have to be more ruthless to convert chances but we have to applaud the great goalkeeping and great defending.”
The Roberts chance Dean alluded to was a big one, with the winger missing from point-blank range following an inviting Kieran Coates cross.
There was also a decent long shot from Jack Lorentzen-Jones that was saved by Radcliffe goalkeeper Tom Donaghy.
However, there was otherwise little to shout about in attack, with striker Tahvon Campbell unable to threaten despite occasionally impressing with his hold-up play.
When this newspaper suggested that perhaps Campbell can be dragged a little wide when hemmed in by opposition defenders, Dean replied: “Tahvs is a brilliant player.
“I’ve had some honest conversations with Tahvs since taking on the role, about what we expect from him. He’s a great lad.
“Yes, he needs to find himself in more goalscoring moments but I think you saw, when we did go a bit more direct, he’s powerful and effective.
“He’ll selfishly want to score more goals, but sometimes as a group we can lack a bit of discipline out of frustration trying to make something happen.”
Dean will be hoping his side can put all their good elements together next time out, as Brackley head away to Spalding United on Tuesday, October 27.