A return to winning ways pleases Steelmen boss Kinniburgh

The Steelmen fell behind but hit back with Jordon Crawford scoring a hat-trick and Connor Kennedy also getting on the scoresheet while Sam Wilson saved a late penalty as Corby saw the game out.

Caretaker-manager Kinniburgh felt his team played the tough conditions well as the victory moved Corby back up to fifth place in the Evo-Stik League South.

And he believes the Steelmen have set themselves up well for an important period of the season.

“Gresley will definitely pick up points over the next two or three months at home,” Kinniburgh said.

“They have a very heavy pitch, a tight ground and it has a slope.

“And in the first half, they really played to the conditions and I thought we coped with it pretty well to be honest.

“We had to make sure we used the elements in the second half and we did that for 20 to 25 minutes and it was that spell that got us the 4-1 lead to really finish the game off.

“But we needed the penalty save and some good defending just to see things out.

“It was good to get back to winning ways. We have had nine league games since I took charge and we have taken 22 points, which is excellent.

“We are about to go into the spell leading up to Christmas and the new year and it’s a really big part of the season. We have set ourselves up nicely for it.”

Kinniburgh, meanwhile, reserved special praise for hat-trick hero youngster Crawford, who is proving to be one of the real stars of the season for the Steelmen.

“Jordon is doing really well,” the caretaker-boss added.

“Since I have taken charge, he has been great for us and people have to remember that he is only just starting out.

“He had a good first full season last year and he is now showing his ability.

“If he can carry on like he is and he can keep scoring the goals then he is going to be a big asset to the club.”

Corby are back at Steel Park next weekend when they entertain Lincoln United.