Yeovil Town goal-scorer Jake Hyde believes his team-mates ability to win in all conditions will help keep them in the promotion race in National League South this season.
The experienced frontman came off the bench to score for the second time this week as he netted the second in a 2-0 win over Braintree Town at a rain-soaked Huish Park.
He appeared as a 60th minute substitute alongside fellow frontman Frank Nouble and had to slog it out on a sodden surface before the pair combined to seal the three points which move the Glovers six points clear at the top of the table.
Speaking after the match, Hyde said: “It was very difficult conditions. It was not a pretty game and you can only play the conditions and the fact we are finding a way to win whether that is footballing or direct and we are managing teams and conditions is really pleasing. It was tough out there but I think we handled it well.
“The best teams at any level find a way to win, that might be away from home or at home, and sometimes your Plan A is not always going to work which may be due to conditions. So today was a really tough but disciplined performance.”
Picture courtesy of Debs Curtis.
The former Southend United and Wrexham player had a similar impact on Tuesday night when he arrived to kill the game with a goal deep in to stoppage time and today’s goal brings him to three goals for the season.
He told our man Ian Perkins that watching from the sidelines whilst the likes of Rhys Murphy and Nouble start matches and find the net has not been easy.
Hyde said: “That is when character comes in to it, when things are against you that is when you find out what sort of character you are. All you can do in that situation is get your head down and start working hard and when you do get your opportunities you have to start taking them.
“It is new for me because I have been lucky with the clubs I have played for to not sit on the bench too much, so that is new for me.
“But it is important that you do what is right by yourself, so it’s all about being as professional as possible and when you do get your opportunities, take them, hard work and things will change for you. That is what I have been trying to do.
“We have got some good competition in my position here, we have got experienced players, goalscorers, lots of options and I think that is going to be a big part in making this group successful.”
The three points coupled with a defeat for second-placed Bath City means Yeovil extended their advantage at the top of the table – but Hyde is under no illusion that the side has only just started.
He said: “It is a fantastic start and it is still early for us as a group of players because we are still getting to know each other and building as a team.
“I think that to be where we are so far is a good start, but it is only a start because it is a long season and a lot can still happen.
“On and off the pitch it is a brilliant group of lads and we are very tight knit which you are going to have to be if you want to be successful.”