I THOUGHT the response from the lads at Alfreton Town was terrific after the bad run we have suffered lately.

It was an excellent performance from the team and it was pleasing to pick up a point, although I felt we shaded it and probably deserved to win on work-rate and chances created alone.

My ribs were still sore after the Gainsborough match, so it gave me an opportunity to have a good look at the players.

They all gave a lot of effort and commitment to get the result, they worked hard for each other and kept their effort going right to the end.

The result will give the players a lot of confidence and I think the system helped. There was a bit of a change in the way we played, with the three at the back and three in the centre of midfield. It has worked before and the players enjoy the system and are comfortable with it.

I think the system has a lot to offer. The personnel may change within it, but I like the system itself, and it suits us.

The lads defended superbly, they were brilliant. The back three, the lads out wide and those in front of the defence, they all worked hard and threw their bodies in.

Danny McDonnell had a terrific game in goal and made two important saves -- the one in the second-half was a fantastic stop. We got that balance right down the left-hand side where Paul Carty did a great job. It's not his normal position and he had to deal with Alfreton's dangerous winger, Chris Bettney, but he was able to do that and it was important he did.

It was good to have Carl Heeley available. He's the leader and he's good in the dressing room. We have missed Carl in the last two games and it is important to have his and Colin Holye's experience at the back.

When they dominate at the back, it also brings Barry Woolley's game on.

John Snape played well in the job we have asked him to do, I was delighted with him. Snapper's attitude has been first class since I came to the club. He's impressed me with his passion and commitment to the cause.

The others in midfield have done well. Tom Warmer was unlucky to be left out because he did well in his last two games.

It was a shame that Leon Kelly could not put away his chance in the last minute, but I would not criticise him. I would credit him for getting himself in the position to get his shot it.

Unfortunately, we were unable to give a debut to George Clegg. He is on shifts but he's trying to get himself a different job.

Away from the players, it's excellent to have my assistant Andy Morrison here and it's important to have somebody like him by my side. Andy's got lots of experience and he will have a big impact at training sessions. In the next week, he will have a look and assess the lads' fitness, because we want to make sure they are at their maximum.