Jamie Clarke has dismissed snipes that Holbeach United are on a downward spiral.
The striker barked a defiant message after netting the late winner in a thrilling 3-2 FA Vase tie against Huntingdon Town last Saturday.
It set up a third round trip to London Colney on Saturday, December 6.
Clarke said: “The gaffers deserve it and the fans of Holbeach deserve it.
“A lot of people are shooting us down at the minute and saying the wheels are falling off but I can assure you that they are well and truly on.
“We’ve got that winning mentality about us and it stems from the whole squad.”
Back in 2002 while at Grantham Town, Clarke was on the brink of an England C cap and potential move to then Premiership side Middlesbrough when he suffered a broken leg in an FA Trophy tie.
However, the experienced 33-year-old – who also played for Sheffield United, Ilkeston Town, King’s Lynn, Corby Town, Stamford and Boston United – was still “overwhelmed” with last weekend’s sweet left-foot volley at Carter’s Park.
He said: “A few people said I missed a couple in the first half so I set myself the target of getting the winner!”
And he added. “I’m not getting any younger.
“I’ve come here because I’ve got a lot of time for the managers. The players have made me so welcome and I’m just enjoying my football.
“When you’re enjoying your football, things come easier and I seem to be getting some important goals.”
Tigers joint boss John Chand insisted that the Tigers were full value for their win and the margin could have been 6 or 7-2.
“It was really good to have the test of character.” he added. “With all due respect, it’s all very well going 1-0 down against Harborough and then turning it on to go on to win, but you’ve got to be able to do that against the good sides and Huntingdon – unbeaten in the league – are a side you’d class in that category.
“We’re coming to the end of November two points off the top, having progressed through in the Lincs Senior Trophy and another round in the Vase.
“All in all, it’s looking good.”
The quest for promotion from Step Five of non-league continues at Eynesbury Rovers on Saturday.
