JUNIOR Brown finally got the chance to show the FC Halifax Town fans what he can do in a competitive match against Durham City.
It was the tricky winger's third league start for the club on Monday after impressing throughout pre-season.
But it was his first full game since boss Jim Vince revealed that the former Crewe youngster was suffering from shingles.
And he put his impressive performance in the goalless draw with the north easterners down to will power.
"It was a bit of a shock when I was diagnosed with shingles," said Brown. "I was feeling tired all the time including during games.
"But if you show grit and determination you can get through a game.
"And I showed on Monday that I could get through, although I was a little tired at the end."
Brown almost produced a dream finish to Monday's game, only to be denied a last gasp winner by City keeper Craig Turns.
And his all action display excited the club's second four-figure crowd of the season.
"I couldn't have asked for more from myself on Monday," he said. "I supplied crosses, got shots in and thought I had won us the game but it was a great save from the keeper.
"It is always nice when the fans enjoy it.
"We are here to win games and to win the league.
"And we are not just doing it for ourselves, we are doing it for everyone behind the team and for the supporters."
Brown added that the team felt more comfortable together as the Durham clash wore on after a difficult opening to the campaign.
"We were pleased with the performance on Monday and we are starting to gel," he said. "But there is definitely more to come.
"It is just the final third that is letting us down and if we can improve there, there will be no stopping us. We will improve - we will do well this season."
The full article contains 357 words and appears in Evening Courier newspaper.
