DAISY Hill proved they are far from delicate flowers, with a come-from-behind 3-1 victory in the cold at St Helens Town.

In the only game in the Hallmark Security League First Division to go ahead Daisy had squandered two chances even before they fell behind to their hosts, who used a well-rehearsed set piece from an attacking throw-in to edge in front.

But a stunning long-range goal from Jack Burke saw Phil Roberts’ side hit back almost immediately.

Level at the break, Daisy’s Jordan Prescott spurned a second-half chance from the penalty spot but, when he was substituted, his replacement Nial Callaghan took just moments to score his side’s second goal.

Mike Gervin, who set up that strike, then sealed a well-earned victory with their third goal 15 minutes from time, finding the top corner of the goal from 30 yards out.

And while Gervin was in inspired form, Roberts paid tribute to his full-backs, who nullified St Helens’ main threats on the wings.

“Tom Gardner at left-back and Josh Fairhurst on the right really put a shift in,” he said. “It was the first time since I came to the club that I’d seen the opposition play and knew what to expect, and I knew they had two wide players who are very dangerous but also work well together, even though they’re on different sides of the field.

“But our lads were switched on right the way through and they did a great job in keeping two very good wingers quiet.

“We were the better side, we missed an open goal and hit the bar, we were in control before their goal came but what pleased me was that we responded right away, I was really pleased with how we reacted, not that I’d like us to get into the habit of going a goal down.”

Victory means Daisy Hill stay second-bottom in the table, now a point behind St Helens. They are unbeaten in three and go into this Saturday’s game at Chadderton having hit eight goals in their last two victories.

And, with no relegation this season due to a restructuring of the league, Roberts says his side are enjoying playing with freedom – and a touch of outlandish ambition.

“We’ve got 66 points to play for now,” he said. “We’ll take it one game at a time and enjoy the season, everyone is up for it at the minute and there’s a real buzz about the place. Craig Haynes is even talking about sneaking into the play-offs!

“That may be a bit out of reach but we are playing with confidence, even when we were 2-1 up with less than 20 minutes to go on Saturday we were still going for it, it was constant pressure being applied at their end. Mike [Gervin] looked like a pro playing against kids, Sam Crook did very well on his debut and the two Jordans, Prescott and Donnelly, were a real handful for them.

“Defensively we were superb, and we weren’t that happy with the goal we conceded but we feel there are goals in this team so if we just concede one per game we’ll be doing all right.”

Still early in his tenure at New Sirs, Roberts admits there is a real source of inspiration for him and his new club, not a million miles away.

They have never met face-to-face but the manager says the recent achievements of Atherton Collieries, currently plying their trade in the Evo-Stik League, is something from which they can take heart.

“We’ve never actually met but [Colls manager] Mike Clegg was the first one to get in touch when I took over here, wishing me well,” he revealed. “It was a nice touch and much appreciated.

“And when you look at what Colls have been doing they have set the standard for local teams, it’s fantastic what they are continuing to do, and they are doing it with a good team and a good set of lads. That’s something for us to look at.

“I’m happy with how it’s gone here in the short term, the lads have taken to what we’re trying to do and are really starting to believe in themselves.”