Curzon Ashton manager John Flanagan has no doubt his side has the character and determination to produce another impressive league run.
The club’s 16-match unbeaten run came to an end on Tuesday night with a 2-1 defeat away to Ossett Town.
But Flanagan his is confident his players can put the result behind them and bounce back ahead of tomorrow’ Evo-Stik First Division North encounter away to Prescot Cables.
“We have been on a really good run and part of the reason we had it is because we have got strong characters in there and very determined lads but it’s inevitable we would lose at some point,” he said.
“Now one or two things can happen. We can take it on the chin, roll our sleeves up and go on another run or feel sorry for ourselves but I believe we will go about it right way.
“I think we will respond well, the lads trained well last night and I think we’ll just push it aside and get back to where we were.”
Curzon now lie in fourth place – seven points adrift of top spot but with three games in hand over leaders Warrington Town.
Flanagan also believes many teams in the league have begun to set up differently against his men in comparison to earlier in the season.
He said: “I have no doubt that when you have been on a good run like we have teams set out to contain you but earlier on in the season they may take you on more.
“But now that’s out of way I think the pressure will come off us, the pressure that you put on yourself when got a run its inevitable it builds up.
“We will respond well, we’ve got enough good players to put another run together but we need to keep defending well and keep the clean sheets.”
Curzon’s Andrew Watson (hamstring) and Connor Hampson (foot) remain sidelined.
The other ties in the Division see Salford City travel to Clitheroe and Peter Band’s Mossley host Padiham.
In the Premier Division FC United are away to AFC Fylde as Trafford play Blyth Spartans at Shawe View.
Bottom of the table Droylsden will be looking for their first win of the season at Whitby Town as Ashton United miss out on their match this weekend as Chorley are in FA Trophy action.
Image courtesy of Iain Lees, with thanks.
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