Rouse thrilled as Worksop seal FA Cup progress

A 280-mile round trip for Worksop started poorly as after just seven minutes into the game, Joel Edwards opened the scoring for the home side, however, a Vaughan Redford penalty saw the Tigers draw level on the half-hour mark.

Fantastic strikes from Connor Smythe and Luke Hinsley meant the visitors went into the break ahead, with Worksop managing the second period professionally to progress in the FA Cup.

Rouse said: “After 10 minutes, we looked like we hadn’t got off the bus and we were looking a little bit huffed and puffed – I suppose that may be expected after a three-hour coach journey.

“I think it is easy in those situations when you have had a long journey to make excuses and just roll with the travelling aspect but to dig in at 1-0 and show that we haven’t just come here to take part; we have come to win the game.

“We have said in previous weeks that if we match the work rate, then the quality that we have in the changing rooms will shine through and we deserved the win tonight.”

Next up for the Tigers is a trip to bottom-of-the-league Wisbech Town on Tuesday 29 September.

Rouse has stated that his side need to continue to play their own way to maintain their good start to the season.

Rouse added: “We need to make sure that we do what we do each week and play well.

“I’m sure if we do what we normally do and implement it into the game, then it will be too much for them and we will come away with the result.

“We need to hit them full throttle; we are a side who believe in going toe-to-toe with teams.

“We have said from minute one and in interviews that we won’t take a backwards step, but we will do a little bit of tinkering during games.

“We are confident that the players in there are good enough to compete with any team in this league.

“We have set off well and we have had a good start with three wins out of three and we look to keep that momentum going as we are pleased with how we have begun.”