Chatteris Town Chairman Shaun Hayden.

CHAIRMAN Shaun Hayden hailed the positive atmosphere at West Street after relegation-threatened Chatteris Town began 2013 with a win.

The Lilies moved off the bottom of the Kershaw Premier League with a 2-1 victory over mid-table Lakenheath on Saturday.

Two goals from midfield star Jack Saunders and an inspired goalkeeping performance from Max Flintoff secured the three points - despite striker Richie Allen being sent off in the second half for lashing out at an opponent.

Hayden said: “It was great to see a win, especially after the draw with Fulbourn Institute in the previous game where we played well enough to win.

“We’ve got a good team together now which I believe will see us through this season. The mood is more positive and not paying subs has definitely helped that.”

Chatteris, who sit second-bottom with just 10 points from 19 games, host fellow strugglers Ely City Reserves on Saturday.

Hayden said: “It’s a bit of a six-pointer and these are the games we’ve got to win.

“We’ve got that positive attitude now and Leigh Matthews (co-manager) has really stepped up to the mark. He has been great and he has also changed the format at training.”

Wisbech St Mary beat Ely City Reserves 3-0 on Saturday, while Chatteris Town A were also celebrating as they crushed Milton A 5-1.