"We found a way" - Town boss Lakeland on victory over Boston and midfielder Josh Hmami

Goals from Owen Bray and Cody Johnson saw Halifax maintain their strong home form, but Boston could count themselves unfortunate in the end not to have got something from the game.

"The game was everything we knew it would be in terms of we'd have to fight and battle and compete for 95 minutes," Lakeland said.

"But we were well off the levels, certainly in possession, that we usually get to, and that probably resulted in them having a lot of possession, more control and us having a lot of defending to do for quite lengthy periods, particularly in that second-half.

"I felt they were the better team, but I also think it's a real positive for us that we've managed to win a game like that whilst not quite being at our best.

"So I'm delighted with the three points because, sometimes in football, you've got to say when you maybe didn't deserve the points, and maybe today was one of those days where Boston deserved something out of the game.

"But we've kept going and we found a way, which is what good teams do."

On why his side weren't at their best, the Town manager said: "I think probably a number of factors - we've played in midweek after having eight, nine days without a game.

"They've not had a midweek game, so maybe a bit fresher than us.

"That new bounce you get from a manager coming in, and not forgetting they've got some very good players and I think they've only lost four games away from home all season, so they've been better away than they have at home.

"Although they're towards the bottom end of the division, many games they've been in have been very close games and they keep going right until the end.

"We knew it was going to be a difficult game for a whole host of reasons, and it was about us being focused and prepared to dig in for 95 minutes.

"Of course we wanted to be better, particularly in possession, but I think just individually and collectively today, we were a bit loose in our play, turned the ball over way more frequently than we usually do, and ultimately, when you do that, you're going to have long spells of defending."

Halifax did deserve credit for a resolute defensive display though, and still getting three points despite a patchy performance.

"It's important. The way we try to play the game, we just weren't quite able to get the game to look how we wanted it and usually have the game looking," said Lakeland.

"And when that's the case, you've got to go in your toolkit and get different weapons out, and today it was about grit, and defending well, and working hard and competing well and staying focused and defending your box, stopping crosses.

"We should take great confidence from winning a game as ugly as that, and finding a way to get three points when being well below-par."

The Halifax manager confirmed that midfielder Josh Hmami has handed in a transfer request.

"I feel disappointed but my focus this week has been on the game and on the players who do want to be here," Lakeland told the Courier.

"I've no issue with any player having ambition to move up the pyramid, and this club's got a really god track record of helping players achieve that.

"But that doesn't mean we can just let our players leave, just because they want to.

"If anything materialises with any club, for any player, and it works for all parties, then it's something that we'll consider.

"But until that's the case, then we'll carry on as normal."

On whether there had been much interest in Hmami, who has been one of Town's star performers this season, Lakeland said: "We're just going to have to wait and see."

The Town boss also said Hmami was still injured, after being forced off in the 2-1 defeat at Forest Green on January 3.