Training 'Paid Off' In RAF Win, Army Head Coach Says

Army football head coach Major Sean Birchnall says the hard work on the training pitch "paid off" after watching his team win their Inter Services opener against the RAF.

Matt Glass' goal gave the Army a 1-0 win on a rain-soaked pitch at the home of Shrewsbury Town FC.

Speaking after the game, Maj Birchnall praised his team.

"We spent a lot of time - 10 days - working on shape, making sure that we can’t get penetrated through by the RAF and it paid off tonight," he said.

“I think they were absolutely superb.

“The two in the middle, Sam Atkinson and Matty Evans, were absolutely colossal and really good."

Army captain Lance Corporal Sam Atkinson put the victory down to his side's determination.

"We knew it was going to be a tough game tonight," he said.

“We’ve battled hard and the elements were horrible, but the boys put an absolute shift in. I think we got what we deserved.

“To be fair, the RAF did play some good football - they dominated spells of the game and we just had to battle hard which is what we did."

The win means the Army can retain their Inter Services title in Aldershot against the Navy in two weeks' time.