At the Dual Seal Stadium in Brighouse on Saturday Long Eaton United produced a much-improved performance that secured three points in a well deserved victory over their West Yorkshire opponents.

Former club Captain Mickey Allsop made a welcome return to the centre of United’s defence in the absence of Michael Martin and recent signing Ben Bacon retained his place in the side alongside Kev Mabon, who was back leading the line after his recent injury problems. Paul Gamble was again available and Gary Breach found himself in a central midfield role.

Brighouse themselves have been going through a lean spell of late and it was evident in the opening quarter that they were lacking a little confidence, enabling United to assert a greater authority on the game than the home side.

During the first half, United had a number of efforts from distance with Mabon, Bacon, Martin Bowles and Nathan Parker all going close and testing Brighouse ‘keeper James Waggett, with one particular headed effort from Mabon perhaps deserving a little more reward.

United weren’t having it all their own way and a timely interception from Allsop was required to eliminate a Brighouse threat midway through the first half and Dean Whiley, Paul McGinty and Chris Murdock were all producing much more assured defensive performances than in recent weeks.

Despite the weight of first half chances falling heavily in United’s favour the game was still goal-less at the interval.

Fortunately, reward came within two minutes of the re-start when Bacon raced onto a through ball and confidently struck his shot past Waggett to give United the lead they deserved. In doing so, the former Pinxton man recorded his first goal for the club in his first full game.

Further half-chances came and went during a half that United controlled for long periods and the hard-working Mabon almost carved out two openings for himself by pursuing seemingly lost causes. Breach also went close with a leaping header during the final ten minutes.

Kelvin Mushambi, Harry Lord and Lee Mellon were all brought into the fray during the second half and despite a late though in-effective rally by Brighouse, United held firm and recorded a much needed victory.

The triumph will not have lifted United any higher in the Northern Counties East Premier Division but it was clear at the final whistle that the result was an important boost for the team, particularly as they prepare for the goal threat of Bridlington Town at Grange Park on Tuesday evening.