A delighted David Noble described his side’s performance as "superb" as Wealdstone pulled away from the National League relegation dogfight with a memorable 2-1 win at Fylde on Saturday.
The Stones had taken an early lead through the impressive Dillon De Silva before Nick Haughton levelled just before the hour mark.
Manny Duku then put Noble’s side back in front five minutes later to secure three priceless points and put further distance between themselves and the drop zone.
“Superb. We took the lead early. We weren’t at our beautiful best with the ball, but we showed some heart and spirit,” Noble told the club website.
“We were giving the ball away too easily and inviting pressure. They put a lot of balls in our box, but the back four defended really well, and Dewy (Marcus Dewhurst) made an unbelievable save again. To get the right leg out like that was superb.”.
Despite some early concerns for the Stones’ boss, he pointed to the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Dewhurst, who only signed for the club in November, as a reason why his side went in at the break in front.
“He’s Schmeichel-esque! The right leg popped out and saved it!” joked Noble.
“We came in at half-time and they just started getting the better of us in the second half. They got their goal, and then Manny will talk us through it because it was against the run of play to put us back in the league."
On the evolution of the squad, Noble went on to talk about the physical presence his forwards pose to opposition defenders, suggesting there is more to come from the likes of matchwinner Duku and Sean Jordan Adarkwa, with the latter coming on to replace the former.
“Manny ran himself into the ground. That’s all you can ask from your players - to give you everything they’ve got, and Manny certainly did that today,” added Noble.
“Sean coming off the bench was another threat. He could've had a goal for himself and he did brilliantly when he came on.
"We had three or four chances to stretch the lead and I wish one of them had gone in, as it makes it a lot easier for me on the sidelines as a manager.
"Unfortunately they didn't and it was tense right until the end, but we've seen the game out and it’s another three points. It’s a big one.”
Noble’s men face one of their sternest tests yet during a turbulent period of fixtures as they host third-placed Bromley on Wednesday, before welcoming Kidderminster to Grosvenor Vale on Saturday.
Stones then face the long trip to Altrincham on Tuesday.
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