Quakers trailed to an early goal and were off the pace until David Dowson equalized just on half time to make the scores 1-1 at the interval. Quakers took full control in the second half, and scored four times to win 5-1 and go top of the table on goal difference.

“The performance in the first half wasn’t what we expect from the team," he said. "That isn’t what we’re about, so I told the players in no uncertain terms at half time – which is the best way of putting it!

“It’s not something I do every week, but something had to be said. The response was very good in the second half from the players, and we scored some good goals.

“We have seven games left to play, and we need to win all seven.”

Gray included youngster Danny Wheeler-Andrews on the bench, and he said; “He’s a promising centre midfielder, who is on one of our courses, and has been playing for our Under 18s.”

Liam Hatch missed the game last night because of injury, but is expected to return for the Warrington game on Saturday.