The Evo-Stik League Northern Premier

Dabbers midfielder Niall Maguire has urged his Nantwich Town team-mates to learn from their late defeat at Ashton United on Bank Holiday Monday, writes Ashley Houghton.

Maguire, 23, believes that Jimmy Quinn’s side need to move on ahead of Saturday's clash at the Weaver Stadium with Grantham if they are to maintain a push for the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division title.

He said: "We don’t want too many days like this, we need to beat teams at top to push on. We have to learn from this and regroup ready for when we play another side at the top."

The former Stone Dominoes man made his first start of the season in the defeat at Hurst Cross and he admits he’s been frustrated by a lack of first-team action, despite an impressive pre-season.

"It’s been frustrating for me but I knew my chance would come, I’ve just had to get my head down and wait for the opportunity.

"Monday was a big confidence boost for me, I was happy to get 75 minutes under my belt as the match fitness isn’t quite there yet but I’m happy to be involved again."

And Maguire added that he felt the current crop of Nantwich players is the strongest he has seen in the 12 months he has been at the Weaver Stadium.

"We’ve got a great bunch of lads here and it’s going to be tough to keep your place in the side. Since I’ve been here it’s the strongest squad without doubt.

"You saw on Monday that three decent players didn’t make the squad. I hope those players stay because they’ll get their chance like I did today."