BORN-AGAIN striker Graham Dodd made it three goals in four games on Saturday by securing three vital points for Congleton Town.

Dodd has been recalled by the Bears' new manager Glyn Chamberlain after being out of favour since the start of the season with Chamberlain's predecessor Tommy Lawson.

He repaid his boss' faith in him by scoring twice on Saturday as Congleton beat fellow strugglers Alfreton Town 2-1 at home in the league.

The crucial win lifted the Bears one place to third from bottom, behind Alfreton and a point clear of second from bottom Whitley Bay.

''Graham was excellent, and should have had a hat-trick,'' said Bears' secretary Dave Wilcock.

''Rod Thornley also did well, covering every blade of grass, and our new keeper Stuart Heeps made an excellent contribution.''

Heeps was making his debut after being signed from Winsford United, and made an excellent save to deny Alfreton after only two minutes.

Alfreton took the lead on 16 minutes when the Congleton defence could only clear a corner to the Alfreton centre forward.

His shot from 10 yards bobbled in after being deflected off a couple of defenders.

Heeps pulled off another good save on the half hour to keep Congleton in the game with a diving stop at the foot of the post.

Congleton fought back, and the Alfreton keeper produced two good saves from Rod Thornley and Kevin Garforth.

Simon Rudge shot just over the bar, and Thornley went close just before the break.

Congleton drew level five minutes into the second half when Dodd latched onto a cross from Thornley to fire home from 18 yards.

Thornley, another player recalled by Chamberlain after being out of favour with Lawson, again supplied the cross for Dodd to score the winner with 12 minutes left.

Dodd held off two challenges to shoot home just inside the post.

"Graham had an excellent game, and had two great efforts in the closing minutes, including an easy chance he missed from a few yards out,'' said Dave Wilcock.

''It was a six-pointer game, and Alfreton needed to win as much as we did.''

Congleton are hoping to sign Crewe midfielder Mike Williamson on loan, and have lost Ray Birch and leading scorer Paul Heavey to Burscough and Accrington Stanley respectively.

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