MANAGER Billy Heath saluted his North Ferriby United side after extending their lead at the top of Conference North table with a 1-0 win over Harrogate Town.
The victory, thanks to Tom Denton's 73rd-minute strike, was the Villagers' fourth in five games and maintains their unbeaten start.
"It was a solid performance," Heath said. "The weather spoilt the game and it was not very pretty to watch. It was more a war of attrition.
"But in games like this we have got to make sure we win and that's what we did.
"It's been a great weekend. It is always difficult for the players with so many games so close together.
"Despite the results so far, we will not be getting carried away.
"There are lots of difficult games to come but we're obviously pleased with the way we have started."
It was a game of two halves to some extent at the Eon Visual Media Stadium as a strong wind blew from east to west.
Overall, Ferriby made better use of the conditions and deserved their win in a hard-fought game.
Playing a long-ball game with on-loan Tigers striker Jonathan Margetts and Jamie Walshaw as their target men, Harrogate had the slightly better chances in a scrappy first half.
In contrast, Ferriby varied their approach with long balls aimed at Denton mixed with ground play through Danny Emerton.
After just two minutes, Margetts found himself in space and should have put Harrogate ahead but his shot was well saved by Ferriby keeper Adam Nicklin.
Ferriby responded with a low Emerton cross that was clawed away by Town keeper Phil Barnes ahead of the on-rushing Denton.
Immediately afterwards, Nathan Jarman fired wide from 18 yards.
After 10 minutes, Walshaw drew a fine low save from Nicklin but both sides found it difficult to create clear goal-scoring opportunities.
In the second half, Ferriby dominated and their passing allowed them to control the tempo to such an extent that Harrogate had only one goal-bound attempt.
Walshaw did well under pressure to turn and shoot but Nicklin comfortably held the ball.
Mark Gray headed just over from an Emerton corner, before Barnes did well to block Jarman's shot.
Denton was denied by a last-ditch block by Matt Heath but the striker could not be denied in the end, firing home Nathan Peat's precise cross to the far post after 73 minutes.
As the game closed, Peat and Emerton again went close.
This was another disciplined performance by Ferriby, who showed they have the ability to really put pressure on sides from midfield.
Once again, their defence produced another solid performance and things are looking good for another promotion challenge.
• Tomorrow will see Ferriby host Ossett Albion in a friendly (7.30pm). Admission is free.
North Ferriby: Adam Nicklin, Danny Hone, Nathan Peat, Liam King, Matt Wilson, Mark Gray, Danny Emerton, Jon D'Laryea Tom Denton, Nathan Jarman, Russ Fry. Subs not used: Tom Corner, Josh Wilde, Antoni Pecora, Adam Bolder, Jamie Yates
