MARCH Town United’s inspirational skipper Luke Pepper has got his “shooting boots” back on ahead of the weekend’s clash with struggling Swaffham, where the Hares will be gunning for their fourth consecutive win.

After a disappointing start to the season, Pepper’s return from a five week absence has seen the Hares rejuvenated, winning all of their last three matches.

The midfield playmaker scored in the 3-2 Ridgeons League Challenge Cup win over Fakenham and was at the heart of the 1-0 win which knocked Long Melford off the top of the table.

He was also in lethal form for the reserves last weekend, scoring a hat-trick in their 5-2 thumping of Hemingford United Reserves.

Pepper said: “We are on a good little run at the moment and we have been performing quite well. We have looked quite solid at the back.

“Sometimes when you think your backs are up against the wall you come out and fight for it, and that’s what we’ve done.”

Pepper said it was a relief to be back playing after a frustrating ban for his sending-off in March’s first league game of the season against Thetford Town.

He said: “It was difficult because the season had only just started. It was my own fault and it has been frustrating.

“I feel like I have got my shooting boots back on now. It’s nice to start getting the goals again and I hope I can take that into first team action.”

Club Chairman Phil White said: “He’s a quality player. He does all the stuff you want him to do, he’s great going forward and he does the hard work as well. You couldn’t wish for a better captain.

“He’s been at March for a very long time and he’s a quality club man. It’s given the whole team a lift to see him back.”

Pepper praised the efforts of the whole team in helping turn their season around. The skipper said there were plenty of leaders on the pitch, and hoped he could continue to set the example with strong personal performances.

“I like to think that I lead by example with my work ethic,” he said. “But I am a shouter as well - I’m normally quite vocal on the pitch.

“I think the best way to captain the side is by going out and playing well to set the example.”

The Hares travel to third-bottom Swaffham on Saturday, hoping to continue their winning streak.