Boss looks ahead to Hereford trip
Paul Buckle believes his side have nothing to fear as they chase a seventh away league win of the season at Hereford United on Tuesday night.
The Hatters have the best record away from home in the Blue Square Bet Premier but travel to face a Hereford side buoyed by a fine FA Cup win over local rivals Shrewsbury Town on Saturday.
And while the boss was frustrated that his side couldn’t beat Nuneaton at the weekend, he was in bullish mood ahead of the Town’s first trip to Edgar Street since March 1977.
“We should fear nobody,” Buckle told the press on Monday afternoon. “Our performance levels this season have been fantastic and confidence is high.
“We’re not over-confident but we feel we can win at home and away.
“I’ve been thrilled with what the players have given me so far. Their attitude has been spot on when we’ve fallen behind or when we’ve had to hold on to win games.
“But they know as well as I that we’ve achieved nothing yet. We need to keep working hard in games and in training.
“It’s going to be a tough game. Hereford beat a Football League side at the weekend.
“They’re sure to get out of the traps quickly but we’re in good form – in great form, in fact.
“The players are in a good place and we’ve done our homework on the opposition.
“We won’t be taking any liberties but we’re going to set out to win the game.”
The boss is likely to make several changes to the side that drew with Nuneaton with defender Simon Ainge able to resume action after being cup-tied.
New signing Jonathan Smith will be added to the squad but Buckle has doubts over Jon Shaw, Mark Tyler and Alex Lawless for the game with Martin Foyle’s side.
“Jon’s a doubt, Alex will go close and Mark is fit,” said the manager. “With Alex every day and every hour is vital and we’ll see how he is on Tuesday.
“I might be a bit reluctant to put Mark back in straight away. Dean Brill has done very well and it might be worth giving Mark a longer rest.
“Simon will come back in. He’s been fantastic since he’s arrived. He’s a proper centre-half. It’s not been ideal when we’ve had to chop and change when people are cup-tied but credit to the back four because they’ve coped well.
“No matter who has played, everyone has given everything. That’s where the trust comes in because players are showing that they are giving every last bit for the cause.”