Buxton boss wants his side to keep outworking the opposition

The Bucks are third in the NPL table after a good start to the fragmented season.

And Hayward wants his players to pick up where they left off - by continuing to outwork the opposition.

Once you get the winning mentality before you know it you've played five and won five,” he said.

“We had a practice game earlier in the season and suddenly the penny dropped for the lads as to how I want them to play and we got on track.

“Now we know what we are doing we need to keep being quick, strong, have a presence up top and to outwork the opposition.

“If you do that then you’ve got a chance and then the quality we have can come through after we have earned the right.

“Fitness is the key and I am proud of the lads for the runs they are putting in during lockdown.

“We’re in a healthy position, we just need to get back as quickly as possible.”

But while pleased with his side’s start to the campaign, Hayward knows it could have been even better.

“If it wasn’t for the Warrington game being abandoned we would have been top,” he added.

“We were winning and playing well before their lad broke his leg.

“We had hit the bar, the post and had one cleared off the line and had the bit between our teeth.

“We would have gone on to win that so the injury saved their bacon a bit. We have dropped some silly points this season against Nantwich away and Whitby.

“I missed both games and we had a bad week. We are in a good position if it goes to PPG. Two plus point a game and you will be there or thereabouts.”

Hayward remains confident for the rest of the campaign as competition hots up for places.

“Reece Styche looked really sharp before he went on international duty,” said Hayward.

“He's desperate to get his shirt back, which is what we want. Players are coming back from injury now and the competition will be hot.

“The lads know that I won’t swap it. If they play well they stay in but if they have a bad one then they come sit with me.