Hard work paying off says Tudors boss Brennan

The hosts took an early lead, but goals after the interval from Oliver Hawkins, James Simmonds and James Potton turned the game on its head.

And Brennan says his side’s battling performances of late have come as no surprise.

“In the last four games our second half performances have been very strong,” he said. “I put that down to our Monday morning training sessions we introduced nine weeks ago – these are definitely improving our fitness.”

It was a far from vintage display from Hemel in the first period, but the Tudors were clinical after the break and got the job done.

“In the first half we were very sloppy in terms of our quality of passing,” said Brennan. “In the second half we simplified our game by passing to the first person we saw.

“It was nice to score some so-called scrappy goals – one from a long throw and one from a wide free-kick.

“But I thought Simmo’s goal was just magic; the way he controlled the ball and lobbed the goalkeeper, it was top class.”

At the time the Gazette went to press, Hemel were preparing for a Herts Charity Cup clash with Sawbridgeworth, before Saturday’s huge FA Cup first round trip to Bury.

“We will play a strong team on Tuesday,” said Brennan. “We want to keep the momentum and positivity we have around the football club, plus it’s a great opportunity for the players to stake a claim for Saturday’s game away at Bury.”

Looking ahead at the FA Cup clash, Brennan added: “It’s going to be a very tough task but one we are really looking forward to. Bury have a lot of dynamic speed throughout their team, and they have plenty of quality, too.

“We know it will be tough, but our supporters will get right behind us and let’s try to cause an upset. It should be a great game.”