Three new signings inspire rare victory for Pickering Town

Three new recruits arrived at Pickering ahead of their Pitching In Northern Premier League east clash at Mill Lane, with James Armstrong, Harry Lovick and Omar Sanyang all making their debuts from the start.

From the off, it was clear that the fresh additions were making a significant impact as Pickering raced into a 4-0 lead by half time.

Goals from Billy Logan, Wayne Brooksby, Sanyang and Lewis Taylor sealed a perfect first 45 minutes.

Although the Pikes conceded twice after the break, they held on to secure a vital three points which moves them off the bottom of the division.

After just their third league win of the season, Town now sit 18th in the table, one point adrift of safety.

"That was absolutely fantastic," reflected manager Steve Roberts. "In the first half, it was the best we've played all season,

"To a man, they've taken their instructions really well, worked hard and we fully deserved to be 4-0 up at half time.

"The new lads that came in, I couldn't fault them. Omar, Harry and Army coming in, that's given us a really big lift."

"It one of them where I was thinking on the way to the game and I hadn't decided on the team until two hours before kick off.

"It's nice when that does pay off because it doesn't always pay off.

"It's a great feeling to get three points on the board, which we needed."

On the second-half performance, Roberts added: "We were hoping for the clean sheet and it would have been the perfect night if we'd have got the clean sheet.

"But before the game we'd have taken a 4-2 win against a well-organised, strong side like Dunston are.

"They're doing well in the league and although they've had a couple of bad results recently, they're a strong side.

"To get the points is fantastic."

Next up for Pickering is a home fixture with third-placed Shildon on Saturday.

"It'll be another tough game," admitted Roberts. "But if we show that same level of performance again, I don't fear anybody."