United manager Graham Alexander has urged his players to concentrate on what they can influence, heading into Tuesday night’s encounter with Rochdale.
Alexander says Saturday’s performance against Gillingham is definitely one which can be built on moving forward, and he declared the squad can garner belief from the way they performed.
Speaking to The Iron PlayerHD, Alexander said: “It’ll be a difficult game, we know that. Rochdale have got several good players, and they’re always a very competitive team at this level.
“If anything has been proved this season, it’s that anybody can beat anybody.
“Now more than ever we’ve got to focus on what we can do, and what we can bring to the party. When we do that we give ourselves the best chance of winning.
“We’ve shown the players all of the good stuff that they did and where we can try to improve, but the overall performance is what’s required as well.
“For 76 minutes our performance was fantastic (against Gillingham), and we have to make sure we take that into this game.”
The United boss was encouraged with what he witnessed in his side’s last display, and in their last few outings for that matter.
He revealed there’s an upbeat mood in the camp ahead of the match, and stated full focus is centred on picking up three points.
“The players are in good spirits considering Saturday’s result,” he declared.
“They know they played well, and they know the game was in their hands. They have to take the strength and confidence which they showed on Saturday into this game.
“It’s the best way of giving yourself the best chance of winning the game. That’s what we’ve concentrated on.
“The players know that I’m not one for sulking when we come in after a negative result - it’s always about the next game.
“It’s always about focusing on that, and taking the positives when we can. They’ve bought into that, and they’re coming in knowing that the next opportunity is around the corner.”
The hosts will once again be without Josh Morris, Conor Townsend and Sam Mantom however, but Alexander doesn’t feel any of the three will be missing for too much longer.
“We’ve looked at them again, and they’re struggling for tomorrow’s game. None of them are long-term, but they’re not at the point of return at the moment,” Alexander revealed.
“They’re in good hands, and all three are good lads who do their work correctly. They’re all desperate to play, and desperate to be back out there.”
See much more from Graham Alexander, Harry Toffolo and Jamie Ness on The Iron PlayerHD.