Retford United joint manager John Knapper feels his sides 3-2 winover Nantwich on Tuesday as a testament to their work ethic inrecent weeks.
Three first half goals had given Retford a commanding leadhowever they conceded two late goals to set up a nervy finish.
The Badgers have now won two games in the past week following abarren run of five months without a victory which has left Knapperfeeling optimistic for the rest of the season.
Retford currently prop up Evo-Stik League Premier Division andare 11 points adrift of safety with 11 games to go.
And Knapper feels his players have to take each day as it comesin their bid for survival.
'The players have been excellent over the past couple of weeks,'said Knapper.
'Saturday's defeat was obviously a set back but we bounced backon Tuesday with a very good performance.
'Looking ahead now we are in a positive frame of mind and hopefulthat we can pick up a few more wins before the end of the season.'
Retford United finally achieved their first win at home after 15attempts in the league this season with a battling display againstNantwich.
Retford took the lead with their first attack Nicky Ellis noddingin a fifth minute free kick.
Nantwich almost levelled immediately however Jordan Connerton'sshot was tame and was easily saved by United stopper Luke Herriott.
The home lead was doubled on 23 minutes, when Joe Boggild saw thekeeper off his line and flicked in a great ball over him, from theedge of the box, to put Retford firmly in the driving seat.
Niall O'Brien gave the hosts a three goal lead on half time afterheading home from Brammer's corner.
Into the second half Ashley Carter's low drive was easily savedby Herriott, but on 73 minutes, Nantwich found the net with aneffort from Mick Lennon that slotted low into the bottom corner.
The visitors were buoyed by the goal and a speculative effort wasnot dealt with by Herriott with a corner being conceded that luckilycame to nothing.
With the home fans willing on the final whistle, Nantwich had thefinal say to set up a tense finish, Jordan Connerton pulling anothergoal back in the 89th minute, but Retford did enough to hold on fortheir first victory at Cannon Park in all competitions this season,and renewed hope with two wins in their last three games.
The Badgers travel to Mickleover Sports on Saturday for a re-arranged fixture, then return to Cannon Park on Thursday for theaway fixture against Worksop Town
