Ahead of Saturday’s Pitching In Southern League Premier Central match, at home to Coalville Town (3:00 KO), manager Gavin Hurren has previewed the fixture.
“It’s been a frustrating last couple of games, in that we haven’t got what I think we’ve deserved. I think the performances have deserved more, but if you’re not clinical in both boxes, you’re going to come up short.
“To go to Tamworth and to be the better team and only limit them to one or two shots is a credit – but, unfortunately, if you don’t take your chances, you’re going to get punished.
“It was positive to see Callum Ebanks back in the starting eleven. I thought he had a fantastic game and it was nice to see him back. There’s a lot of competition for places and the lads are training really hard and they really want that shirt.
“In terms of injuries, Jack Newell, Miro Pais and Cody Fisher are all still injured and we’ve got to assess Jamie Molyneux, who came off injured, and Charlie Wise, who picked up a head injury. Fingers crossed they’ll be okay though.
“The lads’ attitude, application and professionalism, both in training and on the pitch, is unquestionable. We’ve got 10 massive games now – it’s been a difficult season for the club but it’s now all about finishing the campaign as strongly and positively as possible.
“It’s key we have everybody supporting each other. I know there are frustrations – as much as it is my job to focus on the boys in the first team, it is hard not to hear things around the place.
“We need to keep working hard and all I can promise is that I’m giving my everything and the boys are giving their all. Nobody can say that we’re not all giving 100% and we’re doing all we can to get positive results on the board.
“I call on everybody to stick together and to do all we can to remain in this league, which I believe we will. We’re good enough, we’re playing some fantastic stuff at times and I really believe this squad is in a false position. This squad is comfortably good enough to compete in every match, to carry out a gameplan and deliver it.
“In that dressing room, we know we’ve got to stick together and believe. The board are supporting me and what I’m trying to implement for next season, but the main aim, of course, is this season. We’ve got additional training sessions, which I thank them for, and I thank them for their full support of me.
“The fans have been brilliant, turning out in big numbers – it really means a lot. Yes, it’s an emotional time at the moment, but it shows that everybody is caring and has a strong love for this football club.
“Some of these players haven’t been in this situation, some have, and it’s a test of character and it is making us all stronger. These are testing times, but we will come through this. What doesn’t destroy you will make you stronger and this certainly will not destroy us. We will come back a lot stronger but we’ve got to stick together through this!”
