Defender targets top ten
Defender Mark Connolly says the squad are targeting another unbeaten run after picking up a battling point at Shrewsbury on Tuesday.
Last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Gillingham was our only loss in the last nine games and the players bounced back with a 1-1 draw at the Greenhous Meadow thanks to skipper Josh Simpson’s second goal of the season.
Mark, restored the side at right-back after he was rested on Saturday, says the players want to put together another long sequence when they remain undefeated.
“I thought we showed a lot of spirit in the second half on Tuesday when they came at us a bit,” said Mark.
“But I think that’s what we are about as a squad. We don’t like the feeling when you lose games and I believe we have enough quality in the ranks to put together another unbeaten run and climb up the table.
“There’s a lot of work to do if we are to sneak into the play-offs but the minimum we should be aiming for is a top-ten finish and hopefully finish higher than we did last season. We certainly have the players to do that.”
Manager John Gregory made four changes on Tuesday to freshen things up and Mark was one of the beneficiaries, coming in for namesake Paul.
Mark added: “Look, no one likes missing games but you have to accept the reason why the manager changes the team. We still have another 15 games to play and everyone is going to be needed to do their bit.
“I was disappointed to be left out which is the natural reaction of any player but I did feel fresh when I came back in on Tuesday. The good thing is that the manager has got plenty of options to change things.”
Reds host Colchester on Saturday before the visit of leaders Wolves – Mark’s old club – for next Tuesday’s sold out clash.
“One game at a time,” said Mark. “We look no further ahead than the next recovery or training session or game. We need to get a result on Saturday to give us a lift going into the Wolves game. Colchester is the absolute priority.”
JG confirmed that Andy Drury took a slight knock last Saturday, which is why he was left out of the squad on Tuesday. He should be available for Saturday’s home game against Colchester.
