Interim assistant boss Nelson updates ahead of Aldershot game

The Iron’s interim assistant manager Michael Nelson has spoken to the press to preview this weekend's home game against Aldershot.

Tony Daws' assistant began by speaking about the result on Tuesday night, saying: “I think we were very good in the first half. It was disappointing to go a goal down, especially from a set piece, as it wasn’t anything to do with them opening us up. The lads responded really well though, and we didn’t have to wait to have a chat with them at half time, they did it on the pitch themselves.

“We controlled the rest of the first half, and deservedly went in 2-1 ahead. Unfortunately, they were able to get back into it, and credit to them because they made some changes at half time, but to be done by a questionable decision is a bit disappointing.” 

Nelson went on to discuss the recent positive results, adding: “The lads never say die attitude is brilliant. When you look at the Oldham result by itself, on the back of a long trip down to Torquay and the effort that the lads put in, then I think a point is a good return. We had a good game down in Torquay, and the lads put another good performance in on Tuesday.” 

This weekend's fixture is the Iron’s first home game of the month, and Nelson discussed how important it would be to get all three points. He added: “Hopefully the lads coming into the game on Saturday have got that positive mindset from the last time we were here, and that second half against Dorking.

“It’ll be a really good atmosphere, we took a good following to Oldham and a few to Torquay - credit to them. Hopefully the stadium will be bouncing on Saturday, the lads will be in a positive mindset, and we can continue that winning feeling.”

The interim assistant continued: “After the first draw against Altrincham, we spoke about backing it up with the next two home games. We got the point against York where we were really good in the second half, and the same in the Dorking game where we managed to get a result. Hopefully, we can get a win on Saturday and it’ll turn the two recent away trips into very valuable points.” 

Nelson also discussed this weekend's opposition, Aldershot. He stated: “We’ve watched a bit of them, we had someone watch them on Tuesday, and I watched them yesterday. They’ve had some indifferent results and they got a big win on TV against Halifax.

“They’ve got a big centre forward up top, and they like to get it down and play out through the full backs. They won’t be pushed over, but I’m hoping they’re more concerned about us than we are of them.”

Aldershot are known for being strong on the counter attack, and he also discussed this, saying: “In the midweek game against Eastleigh they suffered possession against them, but when they turned the ball over they were good on the counter. It’s something we need to be mindful of, but if we use and keep the ball correctly, then hopefully we can wear them down like we did against Oldham.” 

The team will be without Reagan Ogle (suspended) and Nelson spoke about how this will impact the team. He said: “Reagan is going to miss out, but it’s a chance for someone else to step in and stake a claim.” 

Finally, on the rest of the team, he said: “Everyone else is alright, and there’s no real injury concerns. We’ll assess them again on Friday and come up with a game plan, a system and a team that we expect to go out there and get three points.” 

“Kgosi Ntlhe and Rob Apter both did a light session this morning with the rest of the squad. We’re nursing them through it and making sure they’re alright. Rob was just a bit of cramp, and it was Kgosi’s first minutes for a while, but they both looked fine today.” 

See much more from Michael Nelson and Mason O'Malley on Iron Player.