HORNDEAN manager Michael Birmingham has praised match winner Jack Maloney after two victories in the last week.

The Deans won 1-0 at Portland United last Tuesday night (October 24) in the First Round Proper of the FA Vase, thanks to Maloney’s goal.

The former Portsmouth player was on target again on Saturday, when his goal secured a 1-0 win at home to Lymington Town in the Sydenhams Wessex League Premier Division.

Birmingham is delighted with his team’s double match winner.

“Jack is a good player and a lot of people don’t give him the praise he deserves,” said Birmingham.

“You can see he has been a pro (at Portsmouth).”

Birmingham was also pleased that his side managed to win two tight games.

“Lymington was a tough game,” said Birmingham.

“I think everyone is struggling with injuries and with three games a week we’ve had to patch players up.”

Horndean’s victory at Portland was particularly impressive given that the Deans had to make the long trip west on a Tuesday night.

“We went to Portland with a skeleton squad,” said Birmingham.

“After a long trip the lads did really well.”

Horndean’s reward for beating Portland is a home tie against Royal Wootton Bassett Town in the Second Round Proper of the FA Vase.

The tie is scheduled to be played on Saturday, November 11.