CHORLEY boss Matt Jansen was delighted to watch his side back on the pitch as well as getting a 3-1 win against promotion rivals Spennymoor.

A brace by Marcus Carver and a late effort by Josh O'Keefe's strike with time running out secured the all-important victory.

Jansen said: "It is good to be playing again, it has been a long time. 

"You train, you try to keep the lads fit but it has been a difficult time for a few other teams and I know Spennymoor who have been in the same situation.

"For me the first half performance was probably the best we have had all season and they got a goal back but the reaction we gave to the goal where we drove us on a bit and I love that character.

"We went forward and did not want to defend our 2-1 lead and today is not just a fantastic result even the subs gave everything and I can't knock anyone."

Jansen believes the result could send a message to the other promotion contenders.

He said: "I have said that the likes of Nuneaton, Southport and Boston have gone on runs and won six or seven out of eight games.

"I feel we are a better team than them I feel so there is no reason for the last 10 or 11 games we can't go on a similar run and propel ourselves into the play-offs.

"We have played the top teams and have beaten them and this was the first step to turn up and get the win."

Jansen praised the efforts of Carver for his brace.

He said: "After the Nuneaton game I was frustrated with him and I had a few words. We have a bit of a love-hate relationship. I love him to bits and he probably hates me but he was brilliant.

"He loves to prove a point and he did that with two goals and a work-horse performance."