Hucknall Town boss hails impact of bench after opening day win

Hucknall Town find the back of the net. Pic by Lee Fox Photography.

Town trailed their season opener at home to Shirebrook Town 1-0 following Nathan Jessop’s 54th minute free-kick.

But the Yellows levelled when Rory Smith levelled with his first touch after coming on as a 65th minute sub.

And they made the points safe when Aaron Short and Grant Ryan both scored.

“Within two minutes of Rory coming on we had an impact, so we can’t complain about that,” said the Town boss.

“It was a great response from the team. You make changes to change how it is going and sometimes I get criticised for not making them.

“Sometimes you don't need to make them because players will respond.

“I don’t take players off to push them, just to change to game and fortunately that happened on Saturday.

“If you look behind you and think that lad can play first team somewhere else you know you ve got a strong bench.”

Graves also felt the larger than usual crowd helped drive his side on as fans took advantage of being allowed back into the terraces.

“We had 205 very vocal fans, they were terrific and gave us a lift,” Graves added.

“They will let us know when we are not doing well but they are supportive when needed.

“The fans were happy to be back and it was good to see some new faces a well

“Our average was about 178 so we have already beaten that - I feel we will get as many on Saturday as well with Forest kicking off early.

“We can only have 300 capacity at the moment but it would be nice to get another 95 on the gate.”

Town begin their FA Vase campaign on Saturday at home to Anstey Nomads, with Graves hoping the occasion will bring out the best in his players.

“It will be a big game, they are a strong side so it will be a tough game, but we will try and give it as best as we can,” he said. “They will have to be a good team to beat us if we perform.

"The better teams normally bring the best out of us. A good cup run is important to us.”