Harrogate Railway chief hails players' strength of character following FA Vase triumph at Thackley

The Starbeck club made it three wins on the bounce as they progressed to the competition's first round proper courtesy of Joe Crosby's early goal.

And their victory, against a Dennyboys side who play their football a tier higher - in the NCEL Premier Division - was made all the more impressive by the fact that it was achieved without 11 first-team players, all of whom were missing through injury.

"Credit to the lads, because the character they showed and their will to win was unbelievable," O'Connell said.

"It was a game of two halves. We battered them in the first, but Thackley were much better in the second. We looked shattered, we were dead on our feet, we had a lot of players missing, however the boys dug deep.

"That comes down to the spirit we have in the changing room and the players' attitude. When games get tough and their backs are against the wall, they're starting to come through.

"When we came into the club, there were a lot of players who weren't right for us so we had to get rid. It's important to have good people, not just gifted footballers.

"We've got the right people here now, a good group, good characters and that's starting to show in the performances out on the pitch."

That win at Thackley earned Railway a trip to 1874 Northwich in the next round, a tie that will take place on October 31.

Next up, however, is a home clash with high-flying Campion in NCEL Division One this Saturday, a fixture that the men from Station View head into with as many as 14 members of their squad unavailable for selection.

Of the club's injury crisis, O'Connell said: "I've never experienced anything like this during my time in football. It's absolutely crippling us.

"We had at least 11 missing at Thackley and I've already lost another three for this Saturday. It really is a nightmare.

"Some of the lads who are still okay have been having to play Saturday, Tuesday for the last three weeks and they're in need of a rest but we can't give them one. That's why we looked so tired in the second half against Thackley.

"We're having to draft in boys from the under-18s and it's been tough, but we've still been picking up the results.

"I'm looking to make one or two signings this week. Hopefully if we can get them over the line in time for Saturday we'll have some additional numbers and a little bit more experience coming into the squad."

Railway's clash with Campion this Saturday kicks-off at 3pm at Station View.