Wrens were ready to start winning again

Rainworth Miners Welfare's John Knapper wasn't surprised by his side's EVO-STIK Northern Premier League 2-1 win at Romulus last Saturday as he reckons it had been on the cards for some time, writes Gordon Foster.

Knapper, pictured, and joint manager Ian Robinson saw their side chalk up a 2-1 win in First Division South to end a seven-match winless run in all competitions, and Knapper could barely conceal his delight, especially as the win couldn't have come on a better day with the club's relegation rivals all dropping points to each other.

Second half goals from Dean Freeman and Romaine Graham saw the Wrens to victory against the ten men of the Roms and Knapper, speaking ahead of the arrival of Stafford Rangers at Kirklington Road this weekend, hailed the club's continuing improvement.

He said: "The win has been coming through the previous three games. In that time we've shown a steady but continuous improvement, the new lads who have come in have all done well, and there are smiles on faces and belief in the camp now that we can start and put a few results together.

"We've taken four points now from our last two games, so we just have to build on it, keep on doing the right things in the right areas, and yes, keep our feet on the ground because it's one win, one swallow, not a summer.

"The new lads have given us a big boost, they have a bit of pace about them too, and without singling anyone out in particular, [debutant striker] Romello Nangle is a good example. He's still young but has limited first team experience with Notts County before losing his way a little, but now he's keen to regain his appetite for the game and enjoy his football again.

"I said a couple of weeks ago in relation to the likes of Josh Raven and Kuwesi Ofushine to name but two young teenagers, if we can keep on unearthing little diamonds like these we will do well. I think Romello is another such, and will be an asset to us as he regains his fitness."

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