Boss on Blades test...
FOR THE second game in succession, we face a top five side who are geared up to make progression into a higher level.There is no doubt that our visitors tonight have quality throughout their side and their recent runs in Cup competitions, which have been an unbelievable achievement, has allowed them to assemble a strong squad.
They are the biggest club in this League, but it’s a challenge that we face with real relish and determination.
This will be the third time that we have faced The Blades this season, having already beaten them here during our run to the Final of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and shared the spoils with a battling away performance just before Christmas.
We go into the game on the back of a 1-1 draw with MK Dons at the weekend. It was an entertaining game with both teams attempting to play the right way in tough conditions.
In the end I felt that we were rather unfortunate not to take all three points from the game, but it was a great reaction following the disappointment at Barnsley.
We started the game in a positive fashion and deservedly took the lead with a good goal from Tom Bradshaw. For the next quarter-of-an-hour or so we looked like we would go on to further extend our lead, but MK Dons are a good side and as the half went on they got stronger and started to get themselves into the game.
It was something that we spoke about at half-time and, credit to the lads, they came out with renewed energy and vigour for the second period and we were the better team for long periods.
We created the better chances and had one cleared off the line, but that all-important winning goal eluded us.
That said, there were plenty of positives to come out of the game, which we will be looking to take into tonight’s encounter.
As ever, the backing of our supporters was important to us at the weekend and more of the same is required tonight as we look to get back into winning ways and push on up the League table.
Thank you for your valued support. Enjoy the game...
DEAN SMITH