SKIPPER Matt Hughes heaped the praise on his Kirkby Lonsdale side's defensive display after stopping Carlisle from troubling the scoreboard in Saturday's 17-0 victory.

The win keeps the Underley Park outfit in second-placed in North One West, just one point behind league leaders Birkenhead Park and one ahead of Kendal.

After last weekend's derby day disappointment at rivals Kendal, Hughes was more than happy a winning feeling returned to dressing room at the first opportunity.

"Of course we were disappointed with the Kendal game but we didn't dwell on it and got back winning again which is important," said Hughes.

"I am very happy. It was an excellent result because Carlisle have been tough all season and everyone they have come up against they have run them close.

"We haven't beat them for a few years. I can't remember beating them since I’ve been playing so it was good to get one over them.

"The shut-out was particularly pleasing. We haven't started well in the last few games but we knew we had to this time because they are a good side.

"We concentrated a bit more because we knew if they got in front they would have been difficult to beat."

Chad Spence made his debut for Kirkby and, while he saw little action on Saturday, Hughes expects the Canadian will have a key role to play in the coming months.

"He didn't have lot to do," said Hughes, "but he has looked good in training and will get a good run this week."

This weekend Kirkby travel down the M6 for a tie against Broughton Park, who have only lost one home game this season, before the league takes a Christmas break.

"If we come away with anything that will be good," said Hughes. "Kendal are only a point behind and they have Wilmslow at home so I suspect that will be a five-pointer so we need to get a win to stay in second going into Christmas."