As we take a break from league action this weekend, Neal Ardley says the key is to continue our momentum when we host Dagenham and Redbridge in the Buildbase FA Trophy.
Victory in the second-round clash would mean we’re just three wins from Wembley in our inaugural run in the competition, and we’ll hope to make that step on Saturday in the first ever Trophy game at Meadow Lane.
And, in the midst of a seven-game unbeaten run, the boss says continuing the trend we’ve got ourselves into in recent weeks is crucial towards success this season.
“Winning is a habit,” stated Ardley. “We’ve got over the Christmas period and now we have to get ourselves going again.
“It’s about getting that intensity back into the boys to keep the momentum that we’ve gained as we move into a new block of games.
“Whatever team we put out, we’ll be aiming to win the match and we’ll be as competitive as we can.”
The boss said he’ll be making some changes on Saturday due to the exertions of his squad over the festive period.
“One or two will come in because some players need a breather,” he said.
“Sean Shields has trained all week so he’s in contention, and Dion Kelly-Evans and Richard Brindley are both over niggles and fighting for the right-back spot.
“Pierce Bird is ineligible because he played in the competition for Boston and Jim O’Brien, Ben Turner and Regan Booty remain out with injuries. We can’t say when they’ll be back yet."
Dagenham have already paid us one visit this season as we won a league clash 2-0 in October, so Ardley has seen their threats first-hand.
“They have a lot of pace and can dominate in one-on-one situations,” he said.
“Their players are talented and would like to think they’d be challenging towards the top.
“We beat Dagenham last time but it was a fairly even game, so we’ll not walk out expecting to win by any stretch.
“That being said, we’re at home and we need to make it about us and take the game to them.”
To celebrate Kyle's signing and our scintilating recent form, we've launched our Run-In ticket bundle. Click here to find out more.