Jack Higgins was in high spirits after picking up a goal and three points against Workington AFC on Saturday. The Robins vice-captain scored the second goal in the weekend’s 3-2 win and in the process helped his side move up to 5th in the table, just below rivals Curzon in fourth on goal difference.

The side have now strung together three wins on the bounce with Saturday’s win coming against a promotion rival. The 23 year-old said the three points over the Reds was vital and even sweeter as two of the back four registered on the score sheet; “Saturday was a big game for us, they gave us a tough game up at their place earlier in the season and were above us in the league prior to the game, so we knew it was a vital three points.”

Higgins went on to say; “We knew we had to go at them from the off. We knew that it would be a game of fine margins. As a back four we know we don't contribute enough with goals and we tried to rectify that in training. For me and Sam both to score was very pleasing. Practicing set pieces are boring at the best of times but when it's raining and cold and you're stood there for an hour it's horrific, but Saturday proves just how important they are and that's credit to Ackers making sure we spend the time on the training ground.”

At former club Clitheroe, Higgins had a knack of scoring goals from the back. However, with the Robins in 67 league appearances the centre-back has scored just five times… however we’ll let him off as he did score ‘that’ goal against FC United. Now though the defender hopes that his goal against Workington will kick start his scoring form;

“I know it's something I need to add to my game, I had quite a good return for Clitheroe but I've never got going really at Ashton. I've scored 3 this year and ideally I want to finish with 5 or 6, which I think I'm capable of.”

With the exception of early season recruit Sam Egerton-Wilson, Ashton United’s back four have been a constant threat for the last eighteen months. A defence of Pearson, Higgins and Gorton nearly helped the club gain promotion to the Conference North;

"Jay and I complement each other very well I think. We know each other's games, and talk to each other throughout. Sam’s slotted in brilliantly and Greg’s done really well the last few weeks.”

He continued by saying; “Just as important are Ash and Gaz, they know our games as well and provide excellent protection which I think goes unnoticed at times. They deserve as much credit as anyone.”

Phillo and Ackers' men have not played a competitive midweek game since the 18th November and have got used to playing once a week.

However the side will be returning to playing Saturday-Tuesday, in February and March and Higgins is relishing games against the likes of Ramsbottom United and FC United coming thick and fast;

“Personally I prefer playing Saturday and Tuesday, I think if you can build a bit of momentum, having games come thick and fast certainly helps. It's too long for me to wait playing each Saturday. Also, if we want to finish in the higher positions in the league we have to beat the teams around us. Everyone wants to play in the big games, when the pressure is on, it's something I relish and I'm looking forward to it.”