Mixed feelings for Mills after Steelmen are held

Corby Town boss Gary Mills had mixed feelings after his team's 3-3 draw with Ashton United at Steel Park. Pictures by Alison Bagley

The Steelmen drew 3-3 with Ashton United at Steel Park with recent signings Jamie Tank and Stefan Moore, with two penalties, scoring the goals as they halted a run of four successive defeats in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division.

Tank gave Corby an early lead but Ashton hit back to lead 2-1 before Moore’s first spot-kick made it 2-2 before the break.

Ashton went in front again early in the second half but Moore kept his nerve to convert a second penalty with 15 minutes to go.

Stefan Moore scored two penalties for the Steelmen

Boss Mills was pleased with the character shown by his players as they hit back twice but he was left frustrated after admitting he felt his team should have won.

The Steelmen remain rooted to the foot of the table, six points adrift of safety, and Mills said: “It’s a point on the board but I am disappointed that we didn’t win the game.

“If you score three goals at home you should win and their goals were preventable.

“I thought we looked a threat all day to be honest, our front lads caused them problems.

The Corby players celebrate Jamie Tank's goal against Ashton

“I said to the lads at half-time that it’s a new group so communication and understanding will come. They are all new to each other.

“A lot of people have been questioning the spirit and togetherness there is in the group and they showed that in abundance.

“I am really pleased for the lads that they showed the guts, determination, spirit and togetherness to come back.

“When you are down there, it’s easy to throw your dummies out of the pram and sulk. But they got on with it and towards the end, I thought we were going to nick it.

“The lads had a right good go and that’s all I will ask of my teams. I want them to represent the club, me and themselves with 100 per cent effort, work rate and desire and they did that.”

Mills was particularly impressed with the performance of midfielder Steven Leslie, who joined the club late last week.

The Corby boss added: “He’s got good quality and he’s played at a good level. I thought he stood out.

“Stef was very good and Phil Trainer captained the side and led by example.

“The new lads have come in and done well but I don’t want to put anything away from the boys who were already here because they have bought into what we want to do and they want to do well for the club.”

The Steelmen return to action on Tuesday night when they head to the Dog & Duck to take on county rivals AFC Rushden & Diamonds in the first round of the Integro League Cup.