JASON Matthews insists it is time for his Terras’ troops to “show they have the stomach for the fight” when they host Cirencester Town at the Bob Lucas Stadium tomorrow (3pm).
Beaten 4-1 by 18th-placed Chesham on Tuesday, the Weymouth player-manager insists he still has full belief in his squad’s ability to make the playoffs this term but is fully aware that they need to stand up and prove it.
Matthews, who also hinted he could make changes to the Terras’ shape for their upcoming encounter, is set to lock horns with a Cirencester outfit that are currently 15th in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division at present, with 41 points coming from 32 games.
Despite losing three league games on the spin, the Terras are still only two points behind fifth-placed Hungerford.
Quizzed on whether he felt his squad still had enough to reach the top five, Matthews said: “They have definitely got the ability.
“Now’s the time for them to stand up and show they have the stomach for the fight as well.”
He added: “Cirencester will be a tough test and we need to put the wrongs right.
“They are another team in the league that are capable of getting results, they have done very well with their budget.”
The Terras’ chief also saw his side given a negative reaction from the home fans following Tuesday’s reverse against the Generals, a response which Matthews admitted was hurtful to hear.
He added: “I could definitely feel their frustrations and it was tough to take.
“It does hurt, it is human nature. They pay their money and they are entitled to their opinion.
“The goals we conceded on Tuesday were sloppy, they voiced their opinion and they have a right to do that.”
Asked if the pressure was on even more, Matthews added: “It’s massive pressure but that comes with the territory and I am looking forward to another game.
“It’s another chance to put things right very quickly.”
