STEVE HALLIWELL had “missed that winning feeling” as Gresford ended a three-month wait for a league victory by beating Ruthin Town 1-0.

A second-half goal from Jack Chaloner was enough to end Gresford’s winless run, which dated back to a 6-2 success over Corwen on September 28.

Victory moved Gresford three points clear of the bottom four and director of football Halliwell was delighted with a crucial home win.

“It’s a massive, massive relief,” said Halliwell. “I’ve certainly felt the knock-on effect of not winning games, but a win has been coming and it’s great to start the New Year with victory.

“I’ve missed that winning feeling and it’s great to see the smiles on the faces of everyone at the club.

“The atmosphere in the changing room afterwards was great, the speakers were bouncing and after asking for unity we got just that.”

Halliwell lifted the lid on his post-match team talk, which helped provide motivation for his below strength squad.

“I told the lads that it was a 14-game season,” said Halliwell. “Every game is a cup final and every single player performed.”

The likes of Joe Culshaw, Jordan MacCarter, Kieran Evans and Ben Jones were missing for Gresford, who also gave a debut to Harvey Ellis - signed from Airbus last week - in the second period.

“It was a terrible first 45 minutes from both sides,” said Halliwell. “But we produced a great performance in the second-half.

“The back five were excellent. It was great to have Nathan Williams back and Ashton Williams performed very well at right-back.

Jack Jones and Adam Hesp were excellent in the middle of defence and Jon Hill-Dunt was solid in goal.”

Halliwell, who is searching for a striker during the January transfer window, has seen Aaron Edwards leave for Rhostyllen.

Gresford captain Josh Griffiths, meanwhile, echoed Halliwell’s thoughts after the game, tweeting: “Missed that feeling.”

Guilsfield climbed up to third in the table with an impressive 3-0 away win at Llanrhaeadr.

Gareth Jenkins and a penalty from Adam Davies left Guilsfield in command at the break, before Jake Cook added number three in stoppage time.