GUISELEY midfielder Will Hatfield has declared himself confident of beating the drop ahead of Saturday’s trip to Dover.

The Lions roared last weekend after beating Torquay 2-0 in a victory that was more convincing than the scoreline suggested.

The result lifted them off the foot of the Vanarama National League and marked a third win in a four-match unbeaten run at Nethermoor in the league.

First-half goals from Jordan Preston and Jake Cassidy wrapped up the points for Adam Lockwood’s side and has poured confidence into them, according to Hatfield.

The influential midfield schemer said: “It was a great victory.

“We said beforehand that we needed to be on the front foot straight away, be positive and go for the win.

“We did that and were all pretty pleased in the dressing room afterwards.

“It definitely encourages hopes that we can climb to safety.

“I actually think it had been coming because, during the period the gaffer has been in, he's been top drawer.

“We are really coming together as a team and playing with confidence.

“You could see that last week against Torquay and it really should have been more than 2-0.

“Locky and Dave Penny have brought some great players in and really used their contacts in the game.

“It's working because players are coming in and making the team better, which is all you can ask for.

“We can't get carried away because it's just one victory and we need plenty more from now until the end of the season.

“We were back on the training pitch this week and working harder than ever in preparation for Dover.

“It's a long old trip but we will prepare right and hopefully go there full of confidence and get another win.”

Simon Walton and Jake Lawlor missed out against Torquay due to serving one-match bans but they will come back into the mix this weekend.

However, Lions boss Lockwood will be reluctant to make changes and Hatfield will certainly keep his spot in midfield, where he performed superbly alongside Danny East and Alex Purver.

Hatfield, who won a penalty against Torquay which Cassidy had saved, added: “It's a good mix. Danny East came into the midfield alongside me and Alex last week and did really well.

“There are always going to be positions up for grabs but having a strong squad can only help us.”