BUOYANT Clitheroe manager Lee Sculpher has paid tribute to lone striker Neil Spencer.

The rangy centre forward has not been daunted by taking on defences single-handedly, and proved he is relishing the task by scoring the winner in last week's 2-1 win over UniBond First Division leaders North Ferriby.

"It was his best performance for two or three years," said Sculpher.

"Neil's hunger and desire to work hard again are showing in his game now he has got his fitness levels back up.

"He's played quite a few games in midfield in the last few seasons but I think he's enjoying the responsibility of being up front on his own.

"He's a big, strong, physical player with an eye for goal.

"But probably the best aspect of his play is the way he holds the ball up for us."

And Sculpher knows how crucial the contributions of Spencer and co will be as they travel to Gresley Rovers tomorrow before entertaining Warrington Town on Tuesday then neighbours Rossendale United next Saturday.

"We've got three big games coming up with, on paper, the toughest of them being on Saturday," he said.

"But we're on a mini-run at the moment and are hopeful of picking up points.

"I would imagine our starting line-up will be the same as a reward for last week's performance, which was probably the best of the season so far."