Allen singles out a man doing an unfamiliar job

The manager was particular pleased with the display of central midfielder Sam Wedgbury, who filled in at right-back due to injuries to regular full-backs Drew Talbot and Brad Barry.

“I thought Wedgbury was outstanding at right-back, a proper man performance,” said Allen.

“He got up and down the line, played with good quality, defended well when he had to, which was rare.

“Playing at right-back for the first time he put in a really good performance.”

Allen was a happy manager at full-time, after Gozie Ugwu, trialist Liam McAlinden, Zavon Hines and Laurence Maguire scored to put the hosts to the sword.

“I really enjoyed it,” he said.

“The players I thought put in a real positive performance, tenacious without the ball and playing with good quality with the ball.

“The substitutes that came on all played well, it was a proper good squad effort.

“There was good spirit and unity, I’m well pleased with it.”

The final goal was a fine header from centre-half Maguire, who came up to attack a corner.

A day after Allen had his troops working on set-pieces, seeing a player he likes put one in the back of the net pleased the boss.

“It’s great for him.

“We worked very, very hard on set-plays and scored from one, nearly scored from others.

“We worked for probably an hour and a half on it.

“I know what he’s like as a person, his character, his DNA and what he brings to the team. I’m pleased for him.”