Longridge ran out 3-1 winners at Little Wembley, with a second half Paul Turner hat-trick ensuring Town came away with all three points to go seven points clear at the top of the Hallmark Security NWCFL First Division North.

“Nelson is a difficult place to come, we had one or two of our so-called star players missing today but it gives the other lads a chance.

“We had to dig in because Nelson had a right go at us, they were unlucky to be 0-0 at half time, but we came strong.”

The manager was also delighted to see striker Paul Turner get his hat-trick to take his goal tally up to eight goals in all competitions, whilst also getting Town onto 71 league goals so far.

“Every credit to young Paul, that’s what he’s in the side for today to score his goals and it was a great hat-trick from him. I’m made up for him because he’s a great kid and he’s doing really, really well.

“Paul’s been at the club since the summer, we have put him on a contract, that’s how highly I rate him and I know that he could play a lot higher.

“He’s only young, he’s learning and he’s got some good players around him that will make him become a better player. He’s enjoying it, that’s the main job and that’s a great three goals from him today.”

After a goalless first period Ryan McKenna was moved from defence to a striking role at the start of the second half.

It immediately paid off as his split shot fell to Turner shortly after the start to fire the Ridge ahead.

“We put Horse upfront away at Chadderton earlier in the season and we were brave doing it here today.

“We went for it in the second half, we had to, it was a must for us to get the three points and it’s worked out for us, sometimes it doesn’t, but touch wood it’s working at the moment.”

The win against Nelson marked Town’s eighth away win in a row, and with the next League game against AFC Darwen two weeks away, the gaffer feels the break has come at a good time for his players.

“We’ve just got to keep our feet on the ground, we have two weeks until our next league game so it gives the injured lads some time off and we’ll be ready to go for our next league game.

“It was all about building on that midweek win at Carlisle.

“Mozza said in our Whatsapp group that our win on Tuesday would go out of the water if we didn’t get a result today and he was right.

Adding:

“We’re a good side away from home at the moment, we’ve won a lot on the bounce and it’s pleasing.

“Things are going well and like I keep saying happy days!”