NORTHWICH Victoria boss Steve Burr is delighted that his side got back to winning ways - against the champions elect Barnet.

And the manager, who has overseen one of the most tumultuous seasons in Northwich's history, is backing his side to move forward and avoid the drop into the Nationwide Conference North.

He said: "I was made up with the way we played on Saturday and to beat the team who are going to be champions was a massive lift for everybody.

"We played very well in what was a difficult game for us coming off the back of a bad run.

"Although, to be honest apart from the games against Hereford and Gravesend, where errors cost us points, we haven't played badly at all."

He added: "This win has come at the right time for us because confidence was starting to slip.

"But beating Barnet has restored that and tonight, Tuesday, we have our biggest game of the season against Forest Green."

And Burr was quick to praise returning hero Paul Brayson who scored both goals in the 2-0 win against Barnet following a spell on loan at UniBond side Gateshead.

Burr added: "Paul went on loan because at the time he wasn't getting a game for us and I thought it would be better for him to get first team football.

"We were having a bad run of results so I brought him back in and he showed what he can do with a great performance and two goals.

"I was really pleased for him and to be fair I haven't been disappointed with him all season, he's done nothing wrong."

Burr is aware that Northwich are now entering their most crucial period and used the final day of the transfer windowto bolster his squad bringing in Worksop goalkeeper Kristian Rodgers and former Witton, Crewe and Doncaster midfielder Francis Tierney.

Burr said: "Kristian came in on Saturday and did very well for us while Francis will play a part at some point before the end of the season.

"He has already shown he is quality in training and the injury that caused him to leave Doncaster hasn't been a problem.

"Of course he isn't match fit at the moment and wouldn't last 90 minutes, but that will come."

Following the visit of Forest Green on Tuesday Vics travel to Exeter on Saturday with Peter Handyside likely to feature having recovered from a rib injury.

And Vics have been further boosted by the news that Chris Royle, who has struggled all season from a number of injuries, is winning the battle against his latest niggle, a pulled hamstring, and will soon be available for selection.

One player who isn't available to Steve Burr is Andy Ralph who has joined landlords Witton Albion on loan until the end of the season.

Albion had signed Accrington keeper Jon Kennedy, but he was recalled by Vics' Conference rivals, leaving Witton with no recognised custodian after an injury to first choice keeper Paul Gibson.