Colney Heath manager Micky Nathan was delighted with his side after what has been a tough week for the club.

They hit back after a heart-wrenching 9-2 defeat to Welwyn Garden City last Tuesday with a huge 1-0 win away to promotion-chasing Berkhamsted on Saturday.

Kai Gardner got the goal in the closing moments of the game and Nathan, who had considered his own position following the WGC defeat, could not have been more proud.

He said: “The players have been fantastic to be fair. We had a massive sit-down and chat on Thursday and set down some ground rules. The board have also set some things they want to see.

“Berkhamsted are a very good, tactical side and dnagerous all over the park but we turned up with the right attitude.

“We just out-worked them. We went out with the plan to tighten up in defence and not ship the goals. And when we got to half-time still at 0-0, the confidence grew.

“I was pleased for Kai. It was a well-taken goal.”

Nathan explained that despite his initial thoughts about resigning at the Recreation Ground, the decision to stay was an easy one.

He admitted: “It’s never nice getting beat but to see your side capitulate is horrible, I have never seen that before.

“But lots of people and fellow managers have been in touch saying I’m young and should stick with it.

“[Results like Welwyn] makes you think there’s more to life than football but it showed me I still have the passion for the game.

“The club have been great and in the end it was an easy decision [to stay].

“And what message would it give the players if I left?”

The Magpies now face Vanarama National League South Bishop’s Stortford tonight (Tuesday) in the Herts Senior Challenge Cup with a clash with Premier league Watford awaiting the winners.