BOSS Quentin Townsend dusted off his boots to help Pershore Town end a 14-match winless streak and admitted: “I still love it.”

Town toppled Chelmsley Town 3-1 on Saturday to secure a first success since September 2 and haul themselves out of the Midland League Division One’s bottom two.

It followed a hard-earned 2-2 draw at Paget Rangers and came despite having three first-choice defenders missing through suspensions picked up in the ill-fated home defeat to fellow strugglers Coventry Alvis.

“Given the circumstances with the three suspensions, saying we were down to the bare bones would be an understatement,” said Townsend, who made his fifth appearance of the campaign at Pack Meadow.

“All three were from our first-choice back four and I had eight more lads injured, four of them are long term.

“I had to play myself which was far from ideal so it was a really good performance.

“I always enjoy playing. If I got up the day after a game and felt terrible I wouldn’t do it but even at 40, I still feel fine.

“It is a long-standing joke that if I hadn’t started out in management that I would still be playing somewhere and still feel I can do a job at this level.

“The lads ask why I don’t play more often but it is not something I want to do any more, even if I am like a little kid when I do. I still love it.”

New recruit Dan Getliff, signed from league rivals Bolehall Swifts on Friday, partnered Townsend at the heart of Pershore’s defence and earned his manager’s praise along with scorers Alfie Bloomer and Kyle Turner.

“I am delighted to get four points from the past two games, both of which were tough tests on the road,” said Townsend.

“They were both on 3G surfaces which suited our style quite well and I hope we can carry that on back on grass.

“Our signings helped us, particularly Dan Getliff at the back. He made a huge difference and was probably our best player.

“It is nice to see your strikers get off and running. The fans at Bromsgrove Sporting did not want Alfie to leave but he wasn’t going to get the opportunity he wanted. He has a lot to learn but is a great kid with pace.

“Kyle has scored a lot of goals at this level and getting one for us can help him kick on. He fell out of love with the game a bit and hopefully he has got back his mojo.”

Pershore return to league action at home to seventh-placed Coventry Copsewood on Saturday (3pm).

“It is another game I am hopeful of getting something from,” added Townsend.

“Most of the games over the next couple of months could go either way, we don’t have the likes Walsall Wood or Hinckley in our upcoming schedule. Without underestimating anyone, there is nothing massively scary.

“Copsewood have done okay so far this season, they have been an established side at this level for a couple of years now and don’t tend to struggle.

“With our best team out, I would fancy us against anyone, even in the top seven or eight.

"Two of the suspended lads will be back so we will attack it with a positive attitude.”