I COULD not be happier with the players after the hard work and determination they have shown to get us through two difficult cup ties.

Playing two games in the space of three days was always a tough ask, especially having to travel to Manchester on Monday night, but the attitude shown by all the players has been exemplary.

Prescot Cables took us all the way on Saturday in the FA Trophy and Droylsden was not the easiest place to go to in the National Conference Cup.

Our situation with regards to depleted numbers was as bad as it could have been at Droylsden, with players dropping out with injuries and John Snape not able to make it because his wife was expecting.

We also had players carrying injuries and players not totally match-fit, yet I could not ask any more of them.

Droylsden played some good stuff in the first-half and it was important to try and come in level at half-time.

Some of the defending from Danny McDonnell, Barry Woolley, Carl Heeley and Colin Hoyle was outstanding, in terms of blocking and getting their heads to the ball.

If we had not defended properly, then the game would have been beyond us going into the second-half. Danny kept out two one-on-one situations, I thought Colin was absolutely magnificent and Barry was tremendous as well.

I'm especially pleased for Barry having come back from his jaw injury in such a short space of time. You only have to talk to Carl to realise how difficult it is to recover from a facial injury, especially mentally when you go for your first header.

Jai Stanley also gave everything but it is difficult for him because he has played four games in little more than a week. There has been a bit of unfair criticism coming his way and we have got to be seen to defend Jai for the right and proper reasons.

We know he's not in the best nick and his fitness is way short, but he has realised our current situation, come in and said 'I'll do it' and stuck his head on the line as a result. Jai is three to four weeks ahead of schedule and it will probably be in the New Year when we get to see the best of him.

We've worked hard to get past Prescot and Chippenham in the FA Trophy and drawing Hednesford Town in the next round is something for everyone to look forward to in mid-January.

They are the holders so that will add extra bite and hopefully we should get a lot of support down there because they are quite local.

Finally, James Coates has been on trial at Coca-Cola League Two club Boston United this week and we hope they make a positive decision on him.

James has come here and been a breath of fresh air. We've been impressed with his ability and commitment to the club, although he knows the situation we have got with Danny. But he has enjoyed it so much here. I think he would become a Worcester City supporter if he was not playing for us.