Gosport Borough resilience hailed after defeat of Staines in Southern League

Pat Suraci netted the second goal for Gosport Borough against Staines. Picture: Chris Moorhouse

The Privett Park outfit claimed a 2-1 victory over against Staines Town '“Â with the player-boss and Pat Suraci on target.

McAllister was delighted with the response toÂ the previous week's dire defeatÂ at Merthyr Town.

He said: '˜This was such a difference to our last game.Â We competed, got in people's faces and made tackles.

'˜Defending has to mean something and at times we defended with our lives.

'˜Opponents at this level are going to keep coming at you.

'˜Staines did that but we showed great resilience.

'˜We worked our socks off and got what we deserved which was the three points.

'˜Our home form last season wasn't the greatest.

'˜We have said we need to turn Privett Park into a fortress. It has to be a difficult place for teams to come.'

Suraci set up the opening goal for McAllister after seven minutes.

The midfielder provided a looping cross for the striker to head into the bottom right-hand corner.

Eight minutes later the roles were reversed with McAllister sliding the ball through toÂ Suraci to net.

Harry Stow pulled a goal back in the dying seconds but Borough held on for a deserved win.

McAllister added: '˜Every game we win helps grow confidence.

'˜Once we win three or four on the bounce you will see a different side.

'˜Pat was great for us and showed his ability to create things out of nothing.

'˜He can set up chances and score them.'

Borough will beÂ looking to pick up their first away point of the season at derby rivals Basingstoke Town todayÂ (3pm).

'˜Basingstoke have been together as a side for a few years,'Â said McAllister.

'˜They will work hard and we have to go there and match them. It is importantÂ we keep doing the basics.'

Rob Flooks is ruled out with a suspected broken rib. BoroughÂ are also waiting on the fitness of defender Lucas McCartney, who made a good debut against Staines.

Bognor maintained their unbeaten start inÂ the Bostik League premier division with a 1-1 draw at AFC Hornchurch.

Pompey loanee DanÂ Smith headed the Rocks into a 37th-minute lead but the home side levelled four minutes after the break.