COLNEY Heath are once again on the winning trail after bouncing back from last week’s defeat at Stotfold with back-to-back victories.

The Magpies left it late on Saturday to beat Broxbourne Borough with Sean Brettell netting the only goal of the game in the 94th minute before defeating Hanwell Town 2-0 at the Recreation Ground on Tuesday evening.

The victories put Heath nine points behind league leaders Chalfont St Peter although the village side have played three games more.

“Back to back wins have given us our confidence back after what happened at Stotfold last week,” manager Scott Lacey told the Herts Advertiser.

“It was a great win on Saturday and after Stotfold we wanted to concentrate on being a bit more resilient. We’ve been a bit gung-ho on the run and we just wanted to get back to basics and enjoying our football without the pressure.”

The victory on Saturday was followed up by a confident display against Hanwell on Tuesday although the three points came at a cost.

The Magpies saw midfielder Paul Armstrong shown a red card for his complaints to the referee after a tackle that required the Heath man to visit the hospital for stitches.

A further six yellow cards dished out to the Magpies means the club will face a hefty fine despite Lacey insisting the only dirty challenge in the game was the one that left Armstrong requiring a visit to A&E.

“It actually ruined the win,” Lacey said of Armstrong’s dismissal.

“It was another tough game and I felt we bossed it. We limited them to one chance, a bullet header that Tom (Blackman) saved.

“It was great to have Jack Coombs back in the side. He gives us that bit of height and he looks hungry for the game again. He also releases Kev (Ashwood) to do what he does best.”

Steve Barker set the Magpies on their way with a header from a free kick before Ian Cooper sealed the win with a volley in the second half.

“Steve is a great aerial threat and I think him and Glen Draper are the best two centre halves in the league,” explained Lacey.

“Not only are they great footballers but they are great gentleman too and it’s a pleasure to have a beer with them.”

Speaking off Cooper, Lacey said: “I think at 29 he can still get better. He’s scored a goal that not many strikers in this league are capable of. He’s received a pass and without taking a touch volleyed it with the side of his foot over the ‘keeper and into the net.”

This weekend the Magpies take on Hatfield Town.