DANNY Johnson saved praise for his players after they ended a six-match losing streak in the Northern Premier League by beating back-markers Belper on Saturday.

Goals from Andy Pearson, Mark Winslade, Iain Howard and Steve Jones helped Dabbers to a 4-1 victory, their first in the Premier Division since October 7.

“The lads deserved it,” said Johnson.

“Things haven’t gone well for us over a long period of time, so I’m pleased they have done what they’ve been threatening to which is to take maximum points from a league game.

“I thought we we worthy winners - they cleared a few attempts off the line and we hit the woodwork too.”

Nantwich were boosted at the weekend by the return to action of captain Mark Jones following his recovery from injury.

However defender Adam Jones pulled out during the warm up before kick off following the recurrence of a calf strain.

Johnson added: “He’s not tweaked it, so has time to recover before our next game.

“We have a good group of players and I think if we have a bit of luck and keep them on the pitch then we’ll go on to win more matches.

“We’re still suffering a little bit, but then we’ve got the likes of Steve Jones and Max Harrop to bring off the bench.”

Nantwich host Curzon Ashton at Weaver Stadium this Saturday, kick off 3pm.

John Flanagan’s men occupy second spot in the table behind leaders Skelmersdale.

However they have won only one of their past six matches away from home.