We spoke to Mike Williamson ahead of this weekend’s game against Harrogate, firstly reflecting on the away defeat at AFC Wimbledon.
“We've watched it back numerous times, we’ve showed the lads and I think it's quite unanimous that we didn't compete and we didn't pick up enough first and second balls, especially in the first half.
“When the game was gone, we did show some bravery and some quality in the second half, but we needed to affect that backline more which we didn't do and that's been the main focus of this week.
“The players are an honest group of lads. The bottom line is, we’re in a bad position and emotionally it's hard, so when things do go against us and we concede an early set piece it takes the wind out of our sails.
“There's only one way of turning it around, and that’s by being on the front foot, we've got to be aggressive and we've got to make sure that competing is the minimum.”
Ahead of Saturday’s game against Harrogate, the gaffer continued: “I think we need the fans more than ever and I'm sure they'll show up and make as much noise as they have been. Their support has been fantastic even in a difficult situation, and now we're looking for a reaction and I've got no doubt the boys are ready and looking forward to it.
“Harrogate have had a varied start, I think they've had some really good results and they're always organised, they've got good players, they want to play out from the back but they can also go over and they make it compact as well.
“Being at home, we've got to make sure that winning the battle and earning the right to play is first and foremost, after that we've just got to make sure we get them on the back foot and keep them on it. They've got a good team, they've got experience and we've got to make sure that we focus on ourselves and that's what we'll do.”
Carl Magnay left the cub this week after been offered the manager’s role at Gateshead, and we asked Mike about that: “It’s a good opportunity for him and one he couldn't turn down. He holds the club close to his heart, it has given him a lot. He's been brilliant for us and he's committed a lot and he's sacrificed a lot for us, but he's had an opportunity, it was fantastic for him and we wish him well.”
And on Monday’s FA Cup draw against Wigan, he said: “The Wigan game a couple of weeks ago was a difficult evening although we obviously had a mixed team out. We'll be looking to go all out and full strength in the FA Cup and we'll look forward to having another battle against them.”
Finally, we asked Mike for an injury update: “Ethan has been training, his load has been full time now for the past week so I think he'll be looking to be involved in some capacity at the weekend.
“Aaron has trained which is really good, he's looking in good shape but we just need to increase his load a little bit more before he'll be involved.
“The others are getting closer, but close as in a couple of weeks away, nothing imminent.
“Callum and Taylor are still progressing as we’d like them to, they’re two very honest guys and they work their socks off. We've had quite an intense session today but for them it’s about little and often in terms of getting them up to the levels. We know how good they are, we know their ability but we've just got to make sure their conditioning is up to the level and hopefully that'll be soon.”
