Manager Nick Spooner spoke of his relief after the Tigers secured a vital 3-1 win at home to Ilkeston Town, which moves them back into the top 10 after goals from Jordan Scanlon, a Jack Redshaw Penalty and Lewis Thompson cancelled out Sam Parker’s opener for the visitors.

”We needed the three points, obviously everyone was getting frustrated but performances have been good, and tonight that was probably our worst first 45 minutes. It’s funny, isn’t it? We’ve played really well in so many games and not got our rewards. Then tonight, we weren’t quite as good, yet we won 3-1

Ilkeston worked hard off the ball, especially first half putting us under real pressure. We were stuck in no man’s land: do we play football and try to pass around them, or do we go long ourselves?

In the second half, our two central midfielders started showing for the ball, which allowed us to push higher up the pitch, win second balls in their half, and then keep possession. That’s when we started causing problems.”

On the Equaliser

”Jordan Scanlon’s shot—yes, the keeper could have done better, but we got the goal from it, and it lifted us. I always say that’s Jordan Scanlon for you, He causes problems all over the pitch and he was actually about to come off before that moment, but in training, he does that all the time.

I told him before the game, ‘Can I have the training ground Jordan Scanlon tonight?’ And then he scores that goal! His acceleration and pace won us the penalty as well. After that, he played with freedom and joy.”

On Jack Redshaw getting back on the scoresheet

”It was great for Jack to get on the scoresheet as well. We’ve been careful with him he’s had a few personal challenges off the pitch, looking after his family and mentally, he’s been drained.

As a club and as a manager, I had to put his welfare first so when he came off, I said to him, ‘Welcome back.’ He’s buzzing again, and I’m really pleased for him.

The dressing room is buzzing too, but I think there’s a real sense of relief. We had some harsh words at halftime because it looked like men against an academy team and we weren’t competing.

As for the penalty—it’s rare for us to get one! I wasn’t sure if it was in the box, but we got it.  But when you’re positive, when you run at defenders, you cause problems and that’s exactly what happened.”

On moving forwards

”We’ve moved up to ninth now, but we have to take it game by game. At the same time, we’ve set a standard now. I told the players that I was getting nervous looking down the table, and I haven’t done that since I’ve been at this club.

Now, we’re looking upwards. A lot of teams still have to come here, and the playoffs are far from over. If we build momentum and confidence, we can put together a good run.

In previous years, this is the time of the season where we’ve faltered, but now we have a chance to push on.”

Looking ahead to Saturday

”Next up is Workington away, it’s a really tough place to go. We’ve had a good record there, but they’re a strong side, direct, and they got a good result tonight, (away at Bamber Bridge) In this league, you never get an easy game, and that will be another big test.”

On the fans 

”I want to give credit to the fans. They’ve stuck by us. With City playing and this being a rearranged game, I really appreciate those who stayed behind. They haven’t said a single negative word.

They’ve been superb, and I’m just pleased for them because despite late goals and setbacks, they’ve stayed with us. Tonight was for them.”