Storks boss feels win is measure of side's quality

The Storks travelled to the Delta Taxi Stadium to face the Merseysiders who had climbed to sixth in the North West Counties Premier Division.

Aaron Taylor netted his first goal for the club from the spot to open the scoring in the 32nd minute as the away side had the advantage at the interval.

Leading scorer Kieron Pickup doubled the lead in the 55th minute before Dominic Reid clawed a goal back for the hosts. However, Alex Murphy sealed maximum points when making it 3-1 in stoppage time.

“We played very well,” said Wilkes. “I think our performance on Tuesday gave everyone a bit of a boost.

“We were comfortable throughout and I’ve not been able to say that all season. We kept the ball well, created chances and even when they brought it back to 2-1 they never threatened us.

“I was really impressed with the manner of the victory. It was a measure of how good we can be. We’re a good side, we’ve just needed to play more as a team rather than as individuals.”

Taylor picked himself up from 12 yards out after being dragged down when latching on to Matt Cross’s long ball. The goalscorer then combined with Garry hunter to set up Pickup for the second as the striker slotted the ball first time through the legs of goalkeeper Ryan Jones.

Substitute Reid halved the deficit when heading home from close range after Mike Donlon had pulled off a superb save but Storks pair Reece Pearce and Murphy impacted from the bench again to put the result beyond doubt.

“It’s incredible how much of a different feel it is when you’re winning,” said Wilkes. “Confidence is high at the moment and we’re looking forward to playing again.

“It’s great waking up on a Sunday morning knowing that you’ve won the day before. As a manager you feel defeats more than anybody else so it has the opposite affect when you win.”

Wilkes added: “Garry and Aaron were the missing links. They’ve brought Football League experience with them and they’ve had a huge impact. We’re a different side with them in it.”

Padiham entertain AFC Liverpool at the Arbories tomorrow (Wednesday) with kick off at 7-45 p.m.