THE Magpies’ assistant manager Nick Crittenden was proud of his players after they earned their first victory in four games against Stratford Town last night.

Goals from Charlie Davis and Toby Holmes helped the county town side to a 2-1 victory at the DCS stadium and Crittenden was happy to see his team play with freedom.

After the game he told Echosport: “It was a good performance because the boys have had a tough month.

“We played some great attacking football and we were solid at the back. It was a solid three points.

“We wanted them to enjoy it, it’s why you play.

“It’s important to work hard, the boys went back to basics and we dominated the game. We were proud of the side.”

Crittenden was very complimentary about his forward players who created a hatful of chances for the away side in the first half.

“We could’ve had a few more but we took our goals well and we looked dangerous,” he explained.

The Magpies will now look to end their season on a high as they welcome Kettering Town to the Avenue on Saturday (3pm), and Crittenden knows his squad will be raring to go.

He added: “If we can finish the season with a win at home, then we go off into the summer break and come back even stronger.”