BIRTHDAY boy Dean Holdsworth finally let his guard down after County’s superb victory at Dover Athletic, admitting his team had come up trumps in the biggest game of the season so far.

The ‘gaffer’ turned 41 yesterday, and his celebrations couldn’t have been more different from those a year ago when the Exiles celebrated his 40th birthday by getting pulverised 5-1 at home to Hayes and Yeading, pushing them further towards the relegation mire.

Saturday’s brilliant win at Dover sent County five points clear at the summit of the Blue Square South with a game in hand, and after playing down the significance of the contest for the past week, Holdsworth happily admitted just what a huge result it was.

“I am a very proud manager, what a reaction from the players against a very decent side!

“I thought tactically we got it right, there was method in the way we played and what we wanted to achieve and we did well, we counter-attacked well and dealt with some pressure.

“The team have great character, and to come back and score after they had equalised was magnificent, I couldn’t be prouder.

“We’ve got to get the message across that we are strong, the team are strong, have great belief and we never doubt ourselves.”

Holdsworth was full of praise for star striker Craig Reid, who scored two sublime goals and perfected the role of playing as a lone striker.

“It’s a hard role to play, I know because I played it, but he’s learning all the time,” he said.

“His goals were absolutely exceptional, he’s a terrific player.”

Holdsworth was also thrilled with the contribution of new skipper Gary Warren, who was superb at the back.

“He’s immense, I could talk about him all day, he’s fantastic, and it’s difficult to pick one out, one and all it was a brilliant performance.”

Holdsworth insists he has no problems keeping his side grounded after such a significant win.

“The message has already gone across, enjoy the moment, be proud, but it means nothing, we’ve got to keep performing and showing why we’re number one, there is no room for complacency.”