LITTLE Oakley manager Sean Tynan hailed the never-say-die attitude of his players after their amazing comeback against Holland FC.

Two-down and reduced to ten men, the Acorns showed their resolve to storm back and complete a dramatic 3-2 victory.

Lewis Wood threw them a lifeline, heading his side back into contention just before half-time in the Thurlow Nunn League first division contest on Tuesday night.

Jordan Heath then levelled before Harry Mann pounced for a late winner, after a sublime pass from young substitute Tyler Sullivan.

“I was extremely happy and extremely proud,” said Tynan.

“Being two-down and having had a man sent off, our goal just before half-time was so important. It was massive.

“We knew it could prove a turning point and told the boys that at half-time.

“We reminded them of our recent game at Leiston, when we were 3-1 down and came back to draw 3-3.

“As on that occasion, they showed so much character again.

“We started well but don’t seem to be able to maintain it for 45 or 90 minutes.

“We have good and bad spells and when things go against us in that time – like the other night – it really hurts us.

“However, fair play to my boys because they didn’t go into their shells and they played some great football in the second half.

“We were direct, looked dangerous going forward and worked so hard.”

Tynan was full of praise for his three scorers in Tuesday’s win.

And he was pleased that his decision to play two up front in the second half – despite his side’s numerical disadvantage – paid off.

“We changed the formation round a bit after that, going four-three-two,” he said.

“It was a brave decision and I told the boys that if it didn’t work, we’d change things again.

“But it meant Harry (Mann) had some help up front and it paid dividends straight away, because Chris (Wall) got through and forced a good save from Glen (Morrison).

“Harry played really well again, holding the ball up well and chasing everything down.

“He’s such a big player for us and gives us the option of playing one up front, because he battles and battles and battles.

“He’s been absolutely superb for us this season and he needed that goal.

“Lewis is our second leading scorer from centre-half and he does nick those goals.

“He had a crook in his neck but wanted to play.

“Jordan was frustrated in the first half because he wanted to get on the ball and make things happen.

“He was upset at half-time but I told him to keep going and that he’d get opportunities.”

Oakley, who had no fixture last weekend, head to Cornard United tomorrow (3pm).

“It was a good three points because it takes us above Holland and up to 13th," added Tynan.

“Cornard will be tough tomorrow, though.

“They’ve got a lot of new players but we’re unbeaten in four league games now – our best run of the season – so we’ve got something to hold onto and hopefully we can go there and nick some more points.”