NORTH Leigh manager John Brough has praised the squad’s youngsters after helping the club secure their Evo-Stik South League status.

The Millers made sure they will be playing West Division football next season with a 5-3 victory over Paulton Rovers last Tuesday.

Defeats to Bideford on Thursday and Winchester City on Saturday followed, but the pressure is now off at Eynsham Park.

Speaking last week, Brough, who is departing at the end of the season, could not hide his delight.

He said: “I think our win against Paulton was deserved.

“I must give credit to all the players involved. They rolled their sleeves up and got a good win.

“We have seen good effort from the younger lads.

“Their attitude has been fantastic.

“The club are going in a different direction next year with a smaller budget.

“But they will regroup in the summer and I’m sure they will put a side out next year to compete and not be the whipping boys.”

Against Paulton, the Millers led 2-0 at half-time, thanks to goals from Declan Sheppard and George Seacole.

However, the visitors quickly levelled through strikes from Joe Guest and Liam Monelle.

Seacole’s second restored the Millers’ lead, and they made the points safe when Sheppard struck again and Matt Sysum scored No 5.

Jack Ball netted for Paulton in the third minute of injury-time, but North Leigh already had victory in the bag.

On Thursday, the Millers fell to a 2-0 defeat at Bideford.

Ryan Turner put the hosts ahead on 20 minutes.

Bideford sealed the victory with ten minutes to go when Kevin Squire netted.

The Millers were unable to return to winning ways on Saturday, when they lost 2-0 at Winchester City.

Rob Carr’s superb free-kick put the home side into a 23rd minute lead, before Oli Bailey made the points safe late on by lobbing goalkeeper Ross Grimshaw.

North Leigh, who were at Barnstaple Town last night, are next in action tomorrow night when they host Oxfordshire rivals Didcot Town, before facing Larkhall Athletic on Saturday.