Saturday afternoon brought a first start for new arrival Joel Senior, and he settled I not his right back role well as he found himself up against a table-topping Forest Green side who were full of confidence and firing on all cylinders.
“He did well against a good side and it was a good test for him,” manager Keith Millen said. “Defensively he did his job
and he got forward as well. He’s what I expect him to be, and he’ll get better.
“I’m pleased for him because it’s tough having your first start against a team like this. I felt he defended really well, and he showed his qualities.
“When he goes forward, what I like is that when he faces up he can go past people, which helps create a problem. He’s a full back that can create in that respect. It’s a good start for him and he will definitely get better.”
The reason for the start was, of course, the injury to Kelvin Mellor picked up in the midweek home game against Hartlepool.
“The news isn’t good,” he confirmed. “He’s seeing a specialist, but he’s going to be out for quite a period of time. We don’t know exactly how long yet.
“The other playing who is settling in is Tyrese, of course. He’s finding out what it takes, and what sometimes happens with young players, that’s the reason top clubs send their younger players out on loan, is to get experience of playing games.
“I don’t know the last time or if he’s ever played this many starts in his career. I’ve got no worries about that. It’s down to me to judge when the right time might be to give him a little rest. It’s a learning curve for him. He’s new to our group.
“Omari’s still learning as well and I’m still learning about Omari. You’ve got two new players I’m trying to bed in, and they will get better. I’ve got no concerns about them.
“The bigger concern is our front players, individually and as a group, not being effective enough. We are building our play up, getting into good areas, but we’re not taking our chances or creating more chances in the final third. We need to sort that.
“Maybe we do that by working in the market but we’re looking for another one, whether it’s a creative wide man or creative midfielder, just a good player really. They’re difficult to find.
“That’s why I want every player to be critical of themselves. I want them to think about where they are in their game as an individual.
“Are you producing enough, and if you’re not, why? I’ll try and help them, put a team together that can be more creative. I’m frustrated after this game but I know we can put a lot of things right, and we’ll be right for the next game.”