GALLERY: Crosbie praises returning Pepper after March Town United pick up crucial three points

March Town vs Downham Town Football action. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

The midfielder, who missed almost a year with a knee injury, came on in the second half and headed home Ash Blanchflower’s corner with six minutes remaining to seal the three points.

Sean White gave the Hares the best possible start, curling a 25 yard free kick into the top corner with only five minutes on the clock.

Crosbie said: “It was a very important and welcome three points. We played within ourselves because I think there was a bit of trepidation about messing it up against a team which is having a bad season but we still deserved the win.

“Luke Pepper’s introduction calmed us down. It was good to have him back.

“He is a very experienced and assured player who has played quite a bit at this level.

“We will look to ease him back into action over the coming weeks.”

March will look to build on the win when they welcome strugglers Cornard United, who they thumped 5-0 on the opening day of the season, to the GER on Saturday.

Crosbie said: “Like Downham Town, they are a team which is having a difficult season.

“We are expected to win and we expect to win but, if we don’t work hard, we will not get the three points.

“The key is to approach the game with the right attitude.”

March head into the new year languishing in 16th in the Thurlow Nunn First Division with 15 points from 21 games.

Crosbie admits 2013 has been a challenging year on the pitch but says there is a determination among the players and staff to turn the corner in 2014.

He said: “We spoke before the Downham game about ending the year on a high because we have not picked up enough points.

“We start 2014 with a clean slate. We are determined to show people that we are not a bad team and I believe we are on the way to doing that.”