Pre-match: Steve O’Reilly’s pre-match notes v Crawley Green

Graphic & photo by James Smith

Here are Steve O’Reilly’s pre-match notes before tomorrow’s game with Crawley Green.

“… And just like that we enter the final two games of this season, with today’s crucial game against Crawley Green and next week’s clash at home against Aylesbury Vale Dynamos.

“Last Saturday’s victory against Kempston ensured that it is within our hands to retain Step 5 status ahead of the summer, and we know that two wins in these games would guarantee it. But that’s just maths, the reality is that we need to perform on the pitch in order to make it happen.

“In truth, we were really disappointed in our performance level in the defeat to Cockfosters on Tuesday night. Yes, they are a really good team at this level and are having a terrific season, but I felt overall we didn’t play to the levels needed or expected.

“The first 15 to 20 minutes were not bad and we had one great chance that unfortunately drifted wide, and another time we hit the bar, but the energy levels and intensity for the remainder of the game were not where they needed to be to get the result.

“We are really down to the bare bones squad wise at this point in the season, like many teams and more than a few of the lads are playing through knocks and niggles that ordinarily you would sit them out with, but that’s not a luxury we have now.

“So we all know that we need a big last push in these two games. It’s going to need to come from us as the management, from within the players and from you, the supporters, to get us over the line.

Crawley Green today will be keen to end their season in a positive manner. They have, like us, had a tricky season, but I am sure they will take stock in the summer and build a plan to return to this level. Other than today, we wish them well in those next steps.

“For us, a win today and results going for us elsewhere could see the job done, but we have to focus on our role in that. Return to the performance levels that have seen us put ourselves in control of our destiny, and I fully expect us to do our part.

“As always, thank you so much for the support you give to myself, Micky and the rest of the management team and, of course, the players.

“We are fortunate to have such a great fan base, so let’s rally together again today to earn a crucial three points.”

Enjoy the game!

Steve