After our historic away win versus rivals Yeovil Town, today’s trip to Hemel Hempstead has appeared just around the corner.
Ahead of today’s game we sat down with interim boss Jason Matthews, whose main talking points were our approach going forward, the role of the Terras faithful, and more…
On Tuesday’s huge result:
What a great night that was for the players and the fans. It was an unbelievable performance and it just goes to show what they can do. Everyone was unbelievable, and all credit to the lads. Now, we need to take what momentum going into this afternoon when we’re up against a Hemel Hempstead side who have just appointed a new manager.
On Tuesday’s teamwork:
The players stepped up to the mark as a team and they should take full credit for that. Put it this way, if there was a fractured camp you wouldn’t have seen a performance like that. Naturally, no one wants to lose in a local derby, but you still need to take responsibility in these games and that’s exactly what they did. I can’t credit them enough. Now, it’s up to me to reiterate what’s expected.
On the importance of today’s game:
It’s absolutely massive and we’ll be treating it like a cup tie. They have a new manager and it’s up to us to make sure they don’t take advantage of that. We need to get a result.
On hopes for our progress:
We have 27 more league games to get out of the relegation zone, and I want our team to be confident going into this Christmas period. We not only have a squad full of great talent, but brilliant personnel, too, although I am very mindful that we need some results.
On the potential of Jaiden Bartolo:
He’s done really well since coming to the club. We thank Wycombe Wanderers for loaning him to us and we’re simply happy to be a part of his development process. Tuesday would have been a great occasion for him, playing in front of a derby crowd. Hopefully his performances will give the younger lads something to aspire to. I was certainly very proud watching him this week.
On Tom Bearwish’s injury:
Our initial thoughts were that there may be some ligament damage, but we will assess him and see how he’s getting on. Before he went off, he did an amazing job at right-back, and then Harry Jones came on and carried the baton forward. Credit to them both.
On Hemel Hempstead Town:
They’re still 10 points ahead of us, and we need to do what we can to get a result. Football is all about results, and results breed confidence. Luckily, we have momentum from Tuesday going into today’s game and it’s up to me to install confidence into the boys and make sure they go out with no fear. All I ask is that they go out and give their all.
On our approach going forward:
We’re very much taking it game-by-game. Tuesday showed what we’re capable of but, while I don’t think we’re a bottom-of-the-table side, the league doesn’t lie and we need to keep putting in performances like we showed against Yeovil. But I have no doubt that we will do that today. I have full faith in the boys.
On the role of our fans:
The support on Tuesday was amazing, and I was so glad to be able to help give them a result that they deserved. These games going into Christmas are crucial and we will have a huge boost if we can get as many supporters at our next games as we did against Yeovil. That might help us get out of the drop zone.
