PICKERING TOWN manager Rudy Funk was left feeling ‘proud’ of the club and his players after a late win against Bishop Auckland on Saturday.

Funk has become something of a promotion-specialist in recent years, but takes on a new challenge as he took control of 19th place Pickering.

With several new additions in the squad and a new aurora around the ground, Funk enjoyed a 1-0 win against Bishop Auckland after a 93rd minute screamer from Brad Mills.

“To be perfectly honest, it took a while but I knew from the very first game when I came here against Penrith that we need to probably make some additions in the squad.” Declared Funk. 

“We witnessed it today, there is no wonder why Bishop Auckland are top of the league. They’re absolutely brilliant, a fantastic side. And we battered, and we battered and to be perfectly honest they had us under the cosh a few times.

“But we stood and we defended well and at the other end we’ve had a couple more chances. But the winning goal is just breathtaking. I hope someone videoed it so he can see it! He must’ve been 35-yards out, the goalkeeper has had no chance. 

“I am so, so proud today of each and every one of the players and hopefully we can build from here.

“When you look at the new signings, and we’ve had to wait some time to see the new signings, because when you’re bottom of the league or when you are a newcomer into the Northern League, then a lot of players don’t want to come and sign for Pickering. 

“But hopefully after today, and the last few weeks, it has been absolutely brilliant. (We’ve had) So much contact from people and so many people want to join us but we go one step at a time. But today has been magnificent.”

Funk had a message for the dedicated supporters of Pickering too, saying: “It’s very hard to have to always compliment the supporters when we’ve had so many defeats and when things weren’t right.

"Our supporters stuck with us through thick and thin and they kept on coming and they kept on witnessing some poor performances. But today they witnessed something and hopefully we can build on that.

"We give them that joy that every supporter who comes every Saturday wants and we want to see them with a smile on their face.

"And if we can achieve that this season, then I am proud of everybody who is connected to Pickering Town.”