Wild delighted to register first victory as positivity returns

ANDREW CROMPTON STOCKPORT Town secured a well-deserved 2-1 home win over Silsden last weekend and Lions manager, Dave Wild, is more than happy with how his first month in charge has gone.

Commenting on the win against Silsden, Wild said: “It was vital that we gained our first win this weekend as the three draws previous, as good as they have been to bring the positivity back to the club, they would have been worthless if we hadn’t backed them up with a victory.

“The performances across the last four games have improved in parts week on week and we as a staff and a group of players have to keep working hard as a unit keep pushing the expectations that we have set into the club.”

Having taken over at the start of the New Year, Town remain unbeaten in the four games that Wild has been at the helm, a statistic that has pleased the new boss.

However Wild stands with his feet firmly on the ground as he looks for his squad to improve week in, week out, starting next Saturday away at Widnes.

Asked whether the club could set up a late playoff charge, Wild replied: “I appreciate that the weekend’s victory has moved the club up to ninth and that’s great for us to see but the sheer volume of games that have been postponed recently make the league table a tough one to view.

“Teams have games in hand around us so anything could happen in the coming weeks, but having said that I’m glad we have the points on the board as it is a platform for the squad to build on.”

Looking ahead to next Saturday’s trip to Widnes, Wild was full of respect for his opponent, he said: “Widnes are an extremely strong side and Joey Dunn has been around the block and will have his side organised, and going forward I believe they are probably the strongest side in the league.

“So to test our new squad against a manager who I have a lot of respect for having seen his Runcorn Linnets side go so close [to promotion] last season is an exciting prospect and will be a good indication of how far we have come and also areas that we may need to further strengthen.”