JIMMY ARMSON may have scored a hat-trick to send Brackley Town past Gillingham and into the second round – but he says his team-mates are the real heroes.
The 26-year-old hit a remarkable hat-trick as Kevin Wilkin's National League North Saints won 4-3 in a replay against the League One side.
Just like the first tie – where Armson scored a screamer – Brackley led by two goals before being pegged back.
But this time they saw the job out with Armson completing his treble in extra-time to set up a second round trip to Blackpool.
“It's been crazy, all the lads are still buzzing and the next day we were all on the phone speaking to each other,” the midfielder told The NLP.
“We're a close knit group and I'm conscious of the fact I don't want me scoring a hat-trick to take anything away from them because they were brilliant – every single one of them. They deserve to get the plaudits.
“There are no egos within the club. We're a humble group and we recognise the fact if we want to be successful this season – and by that I mean aim for promotion – we need to work hard for each other.
“It's a special thing on the pitch to be able to say something to someone because you want better for them. It's understanding the reason for saying what can be negative things, is out of compassion and not to dig them out. That's hard to find and that can only come from people who are humble.”
Armson also hailed the club's fans, who are celebrating a second win against the Gills in four seasons, as well as Wilkin – the boss he rates as one of the best in Non-League.
“It's great for the supporters,” said Armson, who was part of Wilkin's successful Nuneaton side and won the National League North title with Solihull Moors last year.
“Brackley may only have a small fanbase, but you can tell how much they care and how much it actually means to them.
“And what it means to us as players as well. Obviously, we're paid to do a job and footballers will kind of always go on that merry-go-round.
“But to be part of something we have this year so far is great. The gaffer's brought together a great team – I said it at the start of the season before I'd met anyone. I knew we'd be a close-knit group because I know what Kevin Wilkin is like. It hasn't disappointed.
“Everyone's enjoying their football and it's a great bunch of lads who enjoy being around each other.”
