"It was a very pleasing performance after a poor start against Shepshed.

"They settled very quickly and played some very attractive football in the opening minutes and got a deserved goal.

"We quickly equalised although it was due to a slice of good fortune when the back-pass hit a bobble and Ashcroft tapped in, but from that moment on we were always in control and the scoreline could have been far more flattering than the eventual 3-1.

"Having the Bishop Auckland match cancelled yet again on Tuesday was disappointing, but these little freaks happen and I can go back a lot of years to when I was at Lancaster and a game was postponed six times!

"It becomes a nuisance, a real blot on your season, and that is what has happened with this particular fixture.

"Now we have been told that if we are successful on Saturday we must travel to Leek Town for the second-round match on Monday which means time off work for the boys and getting back late at night, although it would be even worse for Bishop Auckland if they win.

"Nevertheless we will try to win the game and will be delighted to go to Leek if we do. It would also serve Kenny Mayers' two remaining suspensions quite nicely for us.

"Saturday's win over Shepshed has put us back in the top six and our main effort must be to stay among the leaders as there are several other teams within three points of us."

For some weeks Hesketh has been seeking to strengthen his squad for the promotion push, but says there are no signs of new arrivals at present.

He added: "Young Chris Bennett (winger) was back on the bench on Saturday and he was quite sparkling for the 10 minutes he played.

"Stuart Cliff (midfield) is gaining his fitness week by week and is about three or four games from playing, so we are quite strong, but if we do need to bring in new blood for the final games of the season I will."