STEVE Wilkes praised the intensity his Northwich Victoria side played with in the second half at Skelmersdale United yesterday.

Vics were 2-0 down at half time but a Saul Henderson hat-trick helped them turn the game on its head and record a 4-2 victory.

Aaron Burns converted a penalty on his second debut to round off the scoring as the Trickies jumped up to eighth in the North West Counties League Premier Division table.

Wilkes said he thought his side started well before Kieran Kenny put into his own net to give the hosts the lead.

He also credited them for the way they conducted themselves at half time.

“I thought we were the much better side in the first 20 minutes but we conceded a poor goal,” he said.

“We didn’t track the runner – we spoke all week about hard work and we didn’t do it.

“They scored another sloppy goal from our point of view before half time.

“I didn’t say anything for the first few minutes of half time – they said it themselves which is great. They knew they’d let themselves down.

“We’ve had little words with them and told them we still fancied them to win the game.

“That was us in the second half. We played with intensity.

“I don’t think Tabby (Daniel Taberner) has had a shot to save and theirs has made three or four really good saves.”

Vics now look ahead to a return to Wincham Park on Wednesday evening as they host Barnoldswick Town.

Wilkes is hopeful his side can now gather some momentum to push up the table.

“We’ve got to put this one to bed and move on to Wednesday night,” he said.

“It will be a tough game against Barlick – they have been in sticky form like we have.

“We need to get on a run now and get some momentum going.”