CAPTAIN Danny Jackman has urged his Worcester City team-mates to “push on” and retain their National League North status after claiming a “vital” 1-0 victory over Stalybridge Celtic.

Jordan Murphy got the winner three minutes into the second half as Worcester ended their 18-match winless streak at Altrincham’s Moss Lane.

Jackman, who is assistant to caretaker boss John Snape, said the long-awaited win came at an “important part of the season”.

And he insisted their survival hopes were in their “own hands” as they moved two points clear of third-from-bottom Gainsborough Trinity who drew 3-3 with Darlington.

“It was vital to get three points,” Jackman said.

“At this stage of the season we need to get some wins on the board and the lads were outstanding.

“We showed a bit of everything as there was some creativity and good play in the first half and in the second half every single one of us rolled our sleeves up and did the ugly side of it as well.”

Jackman was also keen to highlight the “mature” performance of 20-year-old forward Murphy who netted his fourth goal in five games with a confident finish.

“Jordan was outstanding,” Jackman said.

“Even when he had little setbacks during the game I was pleased with his reaction.

“When you are right down there and not getting results your body language isn’t great but his was outstanding.

“He was pretty tireless running in behind, down the channels and getting hold of it. He had a really mature game and is still only quite young.”

It was City’s first league win since they defeated AFC Telford United 2-1 on November 12.

But Jackman insisted Worcester have got to use it as a springboard as they look ahead to their remaining six games of the season.

City travel to Telford, who are only one place and one point above them, on Saturday (3pm).

“Getting that win is a really positive boost for us, especially for the youngsters,” said 35-year-old Jackman.

“When you are as old as I am it does not come into your mindset but young lads have dips in confidence.

“But that’s one down and we move on to the next one now, focusing on Telford on Saturday which will be another tough game.

“But we need to do what we did against Stalybridge which was show a bit of resilience, hard work and togetherness.

“With what has gone on over the last couple of months it would be a great thing if we could push on now and finish as high up the table as we can.

“We have most definitely (got enough talent in the squad) and if we show the same level of commitment and effort that we did on Saturday then it will remain in our own hands.

“We will be working tirelessly to make sure we stay in this league.”