Boss Mettam's pride as Steelmen show fight and character to battle back for Diamonds draw
Boss Leon Mettam was delighted with his team's performance and endeavour as Corby Town fought back from 3-1 down to claim a first point of season in a 3-3 draw with AFC Rushden & Diamonds on Monday.
The result saw the Steelmen climb off the bottom of the Pitching-In Northern Premier League Midlands Division table, and was an impressive one in the circumstances.
Mettam was buoyed by the fight and character shown after the Steelmen had to play the whole of the second half with just 10 men followibg the dismissal of Brad Gothard on the cusp of half-time.
Diamonds had netted early through James Clifton, but Lewis Wilson levelled on 10 minutes only for Joel Nketia to put Diamonds 2-1 up.
Freddie Robinson made it 3-1 early in the second half, but Corby hit back to secure an unlikely point thanks to an Amir Ward strike and a penalty from skipper Jordon Crawford.
The battling draw came less than 48 hours after a strong performance in losing 2-0 to Stafford Rangers in the FA Trophy on Saturday, and Mettam liked what he saw in both matches.
"Over the past two games I can't fault the lads," Mettam told @chuckmiddleton. "I know we lost against Stafford on Saturday, but I still thought we were the better team.
"We told the lads we needed to build on that performance, and I thought we did.
"You can see the endeavour and they are giving me everything, and that is all you can ever ask for.
"On Monday they went out against a team really fancied to do well and you can see why because they have some good players, but from that performance I wouldn't take any one of their players over mine.
"From one to 16 I thought the lads dug in and gave us everything, because at 3-1 and down to 10 men you are thinking 'how many is this going to be?'
"I think the players showed belief, but did anyone think we would get a point from being 3-1 down? No, and it sounds daft we should win it at the end as well.
"We are off the mark with a point, but it feels like a win."
The Steelmen are back in league action on Saturday when they travel to Loughborough Students (ko 3pm).
Meanwhile, Corby have added to their attacking firepower with the signing of winger Mo Koultouma.
Boss Mettam has made no secret of the fact he wants to strengthen his squad, and Koultouma becomes the third new arrival at the club since it was taken over by new owners on the eve of the season.
"I’m looking forward to starting this new chapter with Corby Town and giving everything for the club,” said Koultouma.