MATTY Clarke said the response from the Northwich Victoria players in the wake of Matt Barnes’ resignation was pleasing.

Skipper Clarke and fellow senior player Joe Camozzi were asked to take temporary charge of the squad until a new manager is appointed.

They prepared the players and appeared alongside them in the starting line-up for Saturday’s Midland League Premier Division home clash with Stourport Swifts at Barton Stadium in Winsford, which finished 1-1 and earned The Trickies a first point in three games.

“We’re made up with the lads,” said Clarke, Vics' longest serving player.

“When we got asked to do it, it was a great honour and a great privilege.

“We did expect a few more lads to leave us so for the lads to stick by me and Joe for a good training session on Wednesday and to do the same on Saturday, we can’t ask any more of them.”

He felt Vics did enough in the second half to have achieved what would have been only a second win in nine games.

“I think we struggled in the first half when we were defending a hill,” he said.

“We struggled to get out and we were playing the ball back a lot.

“We had a team talk at half-time and said we’ll go out in the second half and give it a good go.

“I think the lads dug deep. It was hard on that boggy pitch but we did enough to get the three points in the end, but it is what it is.

“It’s the story of our season so far that we’re not taking chances when they come along and we seem to be getting punished at the other end.

“But I think it’ll come. We just need to keep on an unbeaten run and then I think we’ll start to climb the table.”

Vics, who are currently 12th on the ladder, are not in action again until Wednesday, November 27, when they play Cheadle Town at Cheadle Heath Nomads’ ground in the Cheshire Senior Cup.