First-team coach Dave Hewson wants Penrith AFC to take the confidence from earning their first Northern League win of the season into tonight’s opening group-stage League Cup home clash against Jarrow.
The Bonny Blues claimed their first success of this campaign on Saturday, with a 2-1 home win over Sunderland Ryhope.
They will hope to build on that this evening (7.45pm kick-off) against their Tyne and Wear opponents, before two more games at Frenchfield Park in successive Saturdays, against Consett (this Saturday) and North Shields (next weekend).
“It was a fantastic performance," said Hewson, reflecting on Penrith’s success at the weekend.
"The lads dug in, worked hard and I think they got their rewards for all of those efforts.
"There were some big characters out there in the second half, and to come from a goal behind, I think that’s fantastic."
After a goalless first half, the visitors drew first blood with a penalty, but Penrith earned the points thanks to goals from midfielder Adam Main and striker Max Brown.
Hewson was pleased with the character shown by the players.
He said: "In the second half, unfortunately, we didn’t start as brightly [as the first half] and we went a goal behind.
"But that just sparked us into life and I think we finished much the stronger team.
"Credit to the boys, and [scorers] Macca [Main] and Max for the composure they have shown."
Former Workington Reds joint boss Hewson added: “We just need to take the positives from it.
"It’s one game, but you have to make sure you take it [the confidence from it] into the next one.”
“It was a great first win and we deserved it,” said team mascot Bradley Hodgson.
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