ALAN Massey believes Wealdstone’s gutsy FA Trophy exit to Newport on Monday is a mark of the huge strides made by the team in recent weeks.

Not so very long ago Stones’ players were being panned by the supporters for lacklustre displays which saw them flirting with the Ryman League relegation zone.

However, Massey and his team-mates were hailed by fans at Grosvenor Vale on Monday night after a display light years in advance of those dark days of mid-October.

He said: "To take them all the way to extra time in the second game proves we’ve come a long way since the start of the season and the poor run we were on then.

"I think the last few weeks we’ve been building up to this - going away to Carshalton and getting a win and the performance at Sutton where we were really unlucky in the end. Hopefully we can push on from here."

The former Wycombe centre-back batted off suggestions he would soon be back in league football after a masterful display at the heart of the Stones’ rearguard.

He added: "I’m enjoying my football at the minute. Everyone has played their part - it’s unfair just to pick me out.

"It’s nice to be noticed but it takes 11 players to make a team."