RELIEVED March Town United manager Brett Whaley said his side’s 1-0 victory over Debenham LC was the most important win he has ever secured as Hares boss.

March were left reeling last week when defeats to Long Melford and Soham Town Rangers were followed by the departures of goalkeeper Lea Jordan and striker Andy Wayte.

But Ash Brand’s header helped the Hares move up to fourth in the Ridgeons First Division on Saturday, banishing all rumours of a dressing room divide.

Whaley said: “I’d say it was the biggest win I’ve ever had as March manager. After the week we’d just had and looking at the league table, there really was a lot for us to play for.

“If results had gone badly then the issues that were around would have magnified but as it is we’ve put them to bed.

“Yes we’d love to be winning four or five nil but, from my point of view, what I saw was a battling performance from a team who are now working together.”

Whaley, who has set his sights on a top-five finish, admitted he was excited by March’s bright start in the league but there was still “room for improvement”.

He said: “You find out more about sides when things get difficult and Long Melford was exactly that.

“It was a game we should have won but when things got tough we turned from a team into 11 individuals. When things get like that I want to see a unit on the pitch.

“It’s not about our ability and it’s not on the pitch where I’ve got a problem, it’s what goes on between the lads’ ears.”

The Hares, who have no game this weekend, will return to league action next Saturday against Brightlingsea Regent.

Whaley said: “We’ve taken a break from training this week and we’ve got a team outing planned.

“The concentration this week has been all about togetherness - on and off the field.”