Brown 'devastated' after derby defeat (From Worcester News)

Brown 'devastated' after derby defeat

10:00am Wednesday 4th January 2012 in Steve Carley By Steve Carley, @stevecarleyWN #WENsport

SIMON Brown says he was ‘devastated’ that Worcester City failed to pick up three points in the New Year’s Day derby at Gloucester City.

A strong word to describe a 3-1 defeat to your local rivals in Blue Square Bet North it may be, but it demonstrates the feeling of disappointment within the squad.

It is a sign of the times that failing to win on their travels against decent opposition leaves the players deflated, believing they have frittered away three points.

At present, given their position of seventh in the table, City defeats are almost met with surprise rather than a sense of inevitability.

Of course, despite going six games unbeaten, they were never going to go the rest of the campaign without losing, far from it, but there is no doubting the new-found confidence among the players.

“We have been on a good run and it was devastating to lose to Gloucester,” Brown said. “The two games against them were winnable and it’s six points we could have got.

“I don’t think we played too well at home on Boxing Day but we got the win.

“Then on Sunday we started well but conceded two sloppy goals which we can’t afford to do if we are going to go on another unbeaten run.”

Saturday’s trip to struggling Vauxhall Motors gives City that opportunity and Brown will be hoping to play a key role.

The adaptable former Mansfield Town forward has started the last four games for Carl Heeley’s team, two up front and two on the right wing.

Behind 13-goal Mike Symons, he is City’s joint second leading scorer with five, along with striker Luke Corbett, currently on loan at Leamington.

Interestingly, Brown is yet to score from open play in the league, with four of his strikes coming from the penalty spot, while the other came against Redditch in the Worcestershire FA Senior Cup.

Not that he will be too concerned at such a statistic.

The 28-year-old said: “I have started to get a bit of form the more games I have played and the team has been doing really well.

“We are starting to understand each other.

“I have always said if I get a run in the team I will grow in confidence and I think my performances this season have been OK.

“When you get your chance it’s up to you to keep the shirt by playing well. I have had injuries but when I have been fit I have come in and kept my shirt.”

He added: “With the squad we have got, other players coming in do not weaken the side. We are still a strong side, which is good.

“I am looking to cement my place and, if selected, I will always do my best.

“We need to put Sunday’s result behind us.”