Corby Town 1 Halesowen Town 0 - Jon Dunham’s review

Corby Town beat Halesowen Town for the second time in the space of a week at Steel Park.
Tommy Yorston heads off to celebrate after he scored the only goal of the game on his Corby Town debut to give them a 1-0 victory over Halesowen Town in the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy. Pictures by Jim DarrahTommy Yorston heads off to celebrate after he scored the only goal of the game on his Corby Town debut to give them a 1-0 victory over Halesowen Town in the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy. Pictures by Jim Darrah
Tommy Yorston heads off to celebrate after he scored the only goal of the game on his Corby Town debut to give them a 1-0 victory over Halesowen Town in the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy. Pictures by Jim Darrah

Jon Dunham gives his observations from the Buildbase FA Trophy second qualifying round clash…

Not even a full-blown injury crisis could stop the Steelmen

Craig Hill, Curtis Hartley, Sam Warburton, Charlie Wise, Joel Carta, Matt North and then, during the game itself, Steve Diggin and Jordan O’Brien.

Elliot Sandy produced an impressive display in a new role at the heart of the back fourElliot Sandy produced an impressive display in a new role at the heart of the back four
Elliot Sandy produced an impressive display in a new role at the heart of the back four
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Over a half a team have been sidelined by injury and that can rightly be called a crisis for Corby Town.

Gary Mills managed to add ex-Northampton Town goalkeeper Chris Dunn, defender Ollie Robinson and forward Tommy Yorston to his squad ahead of the game and all three played impressive roles as the Steelmen edged out Halesowen for the second time in the space of a week.

There were players out of position all over the pitch but there was no shortage of effort and concentration and when the moment came, they managed to nick a goal to move into Monday’s third qualifying round draw.

Mills is having to firefight with the injuries at the moment. But he hasn’t moaned about it.

Former Northampton Town goalkeeper Chris Dunn was drafted in by Corby after an injury to Craig HillFormer Northampton Town goalkeeper Chris Dunn was drafted in by Corby after an injury to Craig Hill
Former Northampton Town goalkeeper Chris Dunn was drafted in by Corby after an injury to Craig Hill
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Instead, he’s challenged his players to go and show they can win games despite the problems.

They rose to the challenge and, while it might not have had the drama of the sensational fightback and 4-3 victory seven days earlier, it would have been just as satisfying.

Could playing at centre-half really be the future for Elliot Sandy?

With the greatest of respect to captain Jake Duffy, who more than played his part in a fine team effort, I was slightly surprised when he was named as man-of-the-match.

Boss Gary Mills and assistant Darron Gee enjoy that winning feeling at the final whistleBoss Gary Mills and assistant Darron Gee enjoy that winning feeling at the final whistle
Boss Gary Mills and assistant Darron Gee enjoy that winning feeling at the final whistle
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Considering he was thrust into a new and crucial role, Elliot Sandy was outstanding.

Needs must when injuries bite and Sandy moved into the heart of the defence during Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat at AFC Dunstable after Charlie Wise had gone off with an ankle problem and, by all reports, performed well.

With Wise still sidelines, Gary Mills asked the frontman to do it again and he delivered.

Sandy is a proven goalscorer, he’s made himself a very good career in the non-League game by putting the ball in the net.

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But, on this day, he showed he’s just as good at helping to keep the ball out of the net as well.

It will have helped to have been alongside his old mate Gary Mulligan but Sandy did what was expected of him. He read the game, he headed the ball and he kicked the ball.

It really was an impressive display and, afterwards, Mills threw out the question of whether a shift into a new position that might prolong his career might just be the future for Sandy who, with respect again, is heading into the twilight of his career.

I’ve seen him play enough times to know that he loves scoring goals, that’s what he does.

But, on this evidence, Mills might just have a point...

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There weren’t many chances in the game but when the big ones arrived, Corby got it right at both ends of the pitch

Having produced seven goals just a week ago, chances were few and far between as Corby and Halesowen met once again.

But when the key opportunities arrived, the Steelmen got it spot on at both ends of the pitch.

Halesowen’s best chance came from a set-piece as captain Paul McCone’s header looked destined for the far corner. But Jordon Crawford, who was typically hard-working in a new central midfield role, was in the right place to head it off the line.

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Just a few minutes later, the Steelmen got the only goal of the game and it was a great moment for debutant Tommy Yorston.

A local lad who has been playing his football in the United States but hasn’t been able to get back out there due to the pandemic, Yorston has been given a shot by Gary Mills.

He worked hard for little reward but when his only clear sight of goal came, he showed a cool head to calmly roll the ball past Bradley Catlow and into the far corner.

It was an excellent finish and one he will remember for a while.

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Four wins from five, Corby are in good form ahead of two more big league matches

There may be injuries piling up but, overall, no-one can complain at Corby’s recent form.

This victory made it five wins from the last six matches in all competitions.

Gary Mills will, no doubt, hope that the injuries do begin to ease but confidence within the whole squad should be sky high at the present time.

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It will be a welcome break from midweek action this week but then comes a tricky away league game at Barton Rovers followed by a home clash with Daventry Town before they return to FA Trophy duty on October 31.

The games keep coming but Corby are in good shape for them.