MATT Taylor’s praise went beyond late goalscorer Manny Duku as the Moors came from behind to snatch a point on Teesside.
The Moors’ chief lauded the impact of the veteran striker once again as his late effort secured a 1-1 draw at Hartlepool.
Duku struck twice last week to bring Taylor his first victory as Moors’ boos.
But this effort was just reward for a more solid display as the visitors made it three without defeat.
It may not sound a lot but set against the backdrop of an awful start to his career at Damson Park, the uplift is welcome.
Taylor said: “I’ve questioned their willingness to put their bodies on the line.
“But in terms of n terms of effort, energy and a desire to defend your goal, I’ll go with that every week.
“To produce that defensive display against one of the biggest clubs historically in our league. It’s intimidating. They were playing in front of 4,000.
“It’s a tough place to come. I’m pleased with the effort. My challenge to the players is to continue the run. We’re unbeaten in three.”
The trip to Hartlepool was almost undone thanks to a floodlight failure. Thankfully, the power was restored before the 15-minute deadline the referee had set before the game was abandoned.
Taylor’s side looked to be heading for a defeat after Tom Parkes gave ‘Pools the lead shortly before the hour.
But Duku struck with a couple of minutes to go, diverting Jon Bostock’s free-kick into the net.
The Moors’ boss added: “Manny gets another goal.
“He’s been a breath of fresh air. He never stops, never gives up. Manny won’t do a huge amount next week. He’s not played a huge amount of football.
“But he epitomises everything about this group. If you get that week in, week out and they are protecting their team mates, you’ve got an opportunity to win games.”
The Moors’ poor run of form after the New Year has put paid to any realistic shot at the play-offs.
But Taylor added: “We’d have liked more points. It gives us something to build upon. The players need to remain confident going into the next game.
“We prep really well ahead of Yeovil.
“If we can make better decisions, it’s positive. We have not had it easy.
“The group are together. From my perspective, I’m proud of that. When you’re a new coach at a club, you have to build relationships. I’m getting to know them, they’re getting to know me.”
