Sam Hurrell glad of help on the sidelines

Sam Hurrell may be able to handle himself on the pitch, but Hillingdon’s co-manager insists he is glad to have Jason O’Connor to help him on the sidelines, writes Ryan O'Donovan.

Speaking after his side’s thrilling 3-2 FA Vase second qualifying round win over Newport Pagnell Town on Saturday, Hurrell was thankful for O’Connor’s help.

He said, “I couldn’t do it without Jason.

“Doing this job together helps massively because obviously when I’m playing I can’t see everything on the pitch.

“I want to give 100 per cent when I’m there playing and of course I can’t think about everything as well, so it’s great to have Jason. Jason and I agree on everything too, so it’s a good partnership”.

The management partnership certainly seemed to be working as the pair secured Hillingdon’s entry into the first round proper of the FA Vase and a home tie against Hadley on October 19.

Hurrell gave the home side the perfect start after his low shot-cross was turned into the Newport goal by their own defence.

And after conceding two goals shortly after half time, Borough came back thanks to goals from the two Roberts, Laney and Gradwell, both taking advantage after Newport’s Steven Brooks was sent off.

Hurrell added that it was a hard start to the season for his side but he is enjoying every minute of it.

He said: “It’s good here. It was a tough start for me, if I’m honest. We had a lot of younger lads in the team early on because we lost our two centre halves in the last pre-season game.

“We leaked goals early in the season, but now we’re looking stronger as each game goes on.

“It is hard work, especially seeing as this is my first managerial job but it’s good and I’m enjoying it.”

Hillingdon’s next game sees them return to Spartan South Midlands Premier action at Hadley tonight (Wednesday) before welcoming London Colney to the Middlesex Stadium on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Harefield United, who were due to entertain London Tigers in the league last night (Tuesday) beat Leverstock Green 2-0 on Saturday thanks to goals from Ryan Egan and Mark Sargeant.