Hinckley AFC manager Courtney Belford was delighted with his side’s reaction in their 8-1 win over West Bridgford.
AFC came into the game off the back of consecutive league defeats for the first time since September.
But they quickly put them to bed with a clinical second half display at Regatta Way as they strengthened their grip on second spot.
Belford wanted a reaction from his side and the one they offered delighted him. He said: “We were a lot more free flowing tonight. We’ve been pretty ruthless. They had one shot and scored from a corner, a set piece which we’re frustrated about.
“But we were fantastic second half. We moved the ball really well on a tough bobbly pitch. Once we got the game won it was about getting as many goals as we can because goal difference could be key.
“These things are massively important and gives us confidence going into a massively important game on Saturday.”
He felt his side were impressive in the first half but weren’t ruthless enough in front of goal – something they rectified with by hitting six in the second half.
“When you put someone like Ryan Harkin on you’re always going to get ruthlessness. He’s such an unbelievable finisher.
“We wanted to give Dom a chance. I felt he deserved it because he’s been fantastic around the place. He’s such a great lad, works hard for the team and is a positive influence on everybody. He’s infectious to be around.
“He did really well and allowed us to get the footballers on the pitch when the game was won.”
The former Nuneaton Griff boss also felt the display was evidence of what his side have been good at all season.
But he challenged them to find a way to do that against sides who don’t allow them to play as fluently.
“We’ve got to keep doing what we’re doing and stick to what we’re good at. We’re good at moving the ball.
“We have to be better when teams don’t allow us to do that and we still have to have that positive mindset to go and do it.
“It was a fantastic all round performance other than the clean sheet but when you’ve scored eight goals you’ll take that.”
Defender Ben Vallance wrapped up the win with his first goal for the club in stoppage time. Belford praised the former Coventry United man as “superb” since joining the club in October, having stepped in at left back at West Bridgford in the absence of Mikkel Hirst.
“That’s his natural position. We brought him in as a centre half because we needed one but I thought he was brilliant.
“He didn’t want to go up for the corner and I ushered him in there for the last one. He had his hands on his hips he’d worked that hard but we shoved him in there and he’s got himself a goal.
“I’m massively pleased for Vall. He’s a quiet lad but goes about his business in the right way. He’ss another great lad to have around.
“Since he’s been here he’s been faultless. He’s been a breath of fresh air and a fantastic signing.”
