NEIL Young has revealed a pre-match pep talk inspired Antoni Sarcevic to score one of the best goals of his career.

The 21-year-old, who already has a number of memorable strikes to his name, sealed Chester FC’s 5-1 victory at Colwyn Bay yesterday with a breathtaking solo effort.

It was the highly rated Sarcevic’s 16th goal of the season but his first in the league since January 12.

“I know Ant loves proving me wrong so I said to him before the game, ‘isn’t it about time you started scoring again’,” said Blues boss Young, who had earlier considered taking Sarcevic off to save him for the Easter Monday home clash with Altrincham (3pm).

“I know how Ant works and what makes him tick. He had a cob on but I knew he would go out there all guns blazing and determined to prove me wrong.

“And I certainly don’t mind being proved wrong when he scores a goal of that quality.

“To run 90 yards at that pace and to control himself and bend his shot like that once he got in there was unbelievable.

“The confidence and ability he showed to do that shows what a player he is.”

Sarcevic stole the show but the man-of-the-match honours deservedly went to hat-trick hero Tony Gray, who today was named the Blue Square Bet North player of the month for March.

The former Southport striker now has 11 goals for the season, six of which have come in his last four league outings.

Young said: “Since he’s come back into the team he’s been fantastic.

“Tony probably hadn’t had a fair crack of the whip, which was probably my doing, but the one thing I did see was a change in him in training.

“Whereas other players may have taken to Twitter, he’s kept his head down and done everything professionally.

“He may be saying in his own corner that I’m the biggest you know what but he’s got on with his work and he’s reaped the rewards by staying professional.”

Matty McGinn, who completed Chester’s scoring at Llanelian Road with a wonderful 30-yard free kick, is also in top form.

The 29-year-old has netted three goals in the last four league games since switching positions with Danny Williams, who is now operating as an attacking full-back with McGinn tucking in ahead of him.

“We’ve evolved as the season has gone on,” said Young, who hailed the performances of identical twin brothers Nathan and – particularly – Lewis Turner as ‘outstanding’.

“Danny Williams’ pace has given us so many different options. He can go and play high but he can also help out the two centre-backs as they like to head and kick everything.

“Danny gives them the confidence to go out and attack the ball.”

The Blues go into tomorrow’s visit of fifth-placed Altrincham 16 points clear at the top, knowing that four wins from their final seven matches will definitely secure a third successive title and promotion.

Young, who has now won 90 of the 121 league games he has taken charge of at Chester, said: “They have good players. (Duncan) Watmore is always a danger and (Damien) Reeves has scored 30-odd goals and is always a danger.

“They’ve had an extra day’s rest but we’ve got two or three players, who can come in and step up.

“Hopefully we’ll have a packed Exacta and the fans will make as much noise as the fans did at Colwyn Bay.

“Hopefully this could be the biggest week in the football club’s history.”

Follow @PaulWheelock on Twitter for live in-match updates from the Altrincham encounter.