Chris Porter returned to the Cree Alexandra starting line-up on Boxing Day and he certainly didn’t disappoint when opening the scoring with a header in the 2-1 win over Lincoln City.

Porter, 35, has only started six league games this season after being used mainly as an impact substitute by David Artell – but he repaid the manager’s faith with a superb all round performance against the current league leaders.

Porter’s header just two minutes into the second half was his first league goal since the opening day of the season and his first since scoring twice against Tranmere Rovers in the Checkatrade Trophy group stage in early September.

Chris told iFollow the Alex: “It was a top drawer performance from us, especially the work ethic and everyone was on it.

“We pressed the life out of them and they were giving the ball back to us due to our hard work.

“All the way through the team we were on top of our game and it showed. We were really good and we know that if we can play like that then we are a difficult side to live with. That has to be the message going forward.”

Porter notched the all-important opening goal just minutes into the second period after climbing highest at the far post to head home a cross from Harry Pickering.

He  added: "It was good to score early in the second half. I know when Harry (Pickering) crosses it in, he's got quality and he'll put it where I'm going to be. He always seems to find me when I am playing.

"It's no secret that it's a big part of my game, and if the team doesn't put crosses in it kills my game a bit. It's good we have still got players who can deliver quality."

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