Tyler Denton previews another tough away test

Defender Tyler Denton reflected on the midweek Emirates FA Cup exit, but is fully focused on getting back to league action.

United are three unbeaten in the Vanarama National League North, and head to Chorley for their fifth away league game of the campaign having won two and drawn one of the four so far.

“Obviously we’ve come away disappointed (on Tuesday). We wanted to progress into the next round. Circumstances went against us on the night,” he said.

“Dion went off injured and we had another knock on the pitch with Kells, but I think we showed a grit and determination, but unfortunately we were undone in the last 10 minutes.

“It was a difficult tie going into it, and it showed that during the game at Glanford Park. They were tough to break down, but we were confident. We back ourselves and our ability, it just wasn’t meant to be on the night.”

Despite being saved by standout performer Ross Fitzsimons, Denton was - despite clearly playing the ball - adjudged to have fouled shortly after half-time leading to a Brackley penalty.

He clarified his stance on the award against him: “I got a nick on the ball.

“Even their winger said that I touched on the ball. He’s gone down, he said to me he had to go down, but he was adamant that I touched on the ball. 

“I think it possibly did change the momentum of the game, which is disappointing.”

United’s trip to play-off hopefuls Chorley sees them come up against one of the in-form sides at the start of the season, with 15 points out of a possible 27.

“It will be tough,” he added. 

“We look forward to the next game, and the next game only, and that’s Chorley. We say that every game is the opposition’s cup final, but we also have to get into the mentality that it’s our cup final as well. Fingers crossed, we can put in a performance and get the result.

“I think we are thriving off it. We’re second in the league with a game in hand, so I think the lads are really stepping up to it. It’s just about starting the game on the front foot, I think. Recently, we’ve maybe taken 10 or 20 minutes to get into a game, where we need to be right at it from the first whistle.

“It’s about us finding different ways to break teams down, changing up our game during the game as well. It’s been difficult, but we’re confident.

“I’m loving it. I feel like I’m playing well, and it’s a great group of lads, great coaching staff, and I’m really enjoying playing here.”