COLNEY Heath boss Scott Lacey says he always felt his side were in with a good chance of overturning their 2-0 goal deficit at home to Leverstock Green on Saturday if his side could keep a second half clean sheet.

Magpies stopper Tom Blackman and his defence managed to grant their boss’s wish and with Ian Cooper netting a second half brace to go with Glen Draper’s goal late in the first half it was another successful afternoon for the village side.

“It was another nail biter,” admitted Lacey.

“We’re just not playing well at the moment but it is encouraging that we keep grinding out the results.

“I felt if we could keep a clean sheet in the second half I fancied our chances and thankfully Mr Cooper did what Mr Cooper does best – score goals.

“It’s a massive three points for us and it was nice to see the winning mentality back.”

Cooper’s return – 21 goals in 21 games this season – is a staggering return for a player who spent a frustrating three months on the sidelines and Lacey was quick to praise his ace marksman.

“He’s not the easiest of players to manage at times and he is always in the referee’s ear but he’s an exceptional talent at this level and he gives you 100 per cent every week.”