Gary McCann had reasons to be cheerful after picking up four points against Leiston and Canvey Island over the past few days.

After the 3–2 defeat of high-flying Leiston, he said, "This was a really good performance by everyone involved. The conditions were very difficult, but we coped with them superbly.

"We brought in three new players and they all made telling contributions, Jamie Smith at right-back, Brad Hewitt in the middle of defence and Darren Behcet in goal. We had a solidity in defence that hasn't always been there this season.

"We scored a magnificent opening goal through Ollie Sprague and we were good value for our lead for most of the first half.

"I was particularly pleased by the way we reacted after conceding both goals. Leiston really came at us after equalising and I was pleased to hear the half-time whistle.

"Then, after we had gone behind, we hit back quickly and drew level. I am sure, a few weeks ago, we would not have reacted as well as we did in the face of this adversity.

"Our winning goal was the sort of luck we hadn’t always had this season, but we then had to defend very well as Leiston tried to get another equaliser.

After the draw with Canvey Island, Gary was philosophical when he noted, "Yes it was a point and I would much rather it had been three. But there were positives to take out of the game.

"Our defending was much better and there were very few clear cut chances at either end. I think Niko's first half one might have been the best of the game, even though they hit the post.

"In truth, I don't think either team really did enough to merit winning the game. It would be fair to say that both teams were more committed to avoid losing than anything else.

"We were solid at the back and I stressed to the team after the Leiston game that we hadn't yet kept a clean sheet in the League. Keagan Cole and Casey Maclaren were excellent in protecting the back four, while Brad Hewitt gave Arthur Lee very good support.

"It is often said that you shouldn't change a winning team. I decided not to make a couple of changes, but we did look a little weary after Saturday and maybe a couple of fresher legs would have helped.

"The way our opposition set out did limit a little of our attacking options, but Canvey played in a very different way to Leiston. Still we now have a three-match unbeaten run to build on."