ADVERSITY can bring the best or worst out of people but it has certainly worked in a positive vein for us in recent weeks.

One way or another we have managed to overcome a crippling list of injuries and it is quite frightening to think about what we have achieved.

That is a testimony to the players' spirits but admittedly we came close to falling flat on our faces against Newport County on Monday night in the rearranged FA Trophy match.

For the first time this season, other than the Bath City game, we came close to a spectacular flop.

While at Bath we were poor from start to finish and no-one emerged with any credit, we did okay in spells against Newport. But against 10 men, 3-0 up and with 15 minutes remaining we thought we were at the winning post -- and were not.

As we know now it just shows what happens if you come off your game for even a short time and it does not matter how many players you are playing against because unless concentration is maintained you can come a cropper.

I would not have liked to play an extra 10 minutes that is for sure and hopefully we won't make that mistake again.

One of the good things to emerge from that match was Adam Webster's goal double and it just demonstrates what a difference confidence makes.

He has had a few periods where his confidence has dipped, but he has responded brilliantly and all he needed against Newport was the third goal and I do not think you would have seen a much better hat-trick anywhere.

Reminder

With the match being video-taped as well Adam is going to have a nice little reminder of Monday night.

Asa Charlton's departure did not come at the best of times, but with Paul Carty in such good form he felt his opportunities would be limited.

We are making active enquiries to strengthen the squad and a few things are bubbling under the surface.

It is an on-going process and my policy has always been to keep things under my hat and not shout about new players until they are signed, sealed and delivered.

Injuries have thrust the likes of Richard Tomkins and Liam McDonald into the squad and they have got a part to play and they could feature even more prominently next season along with other academy youngsters.

The scheme is in place to progress them through the ranks and, as long as they fulfil the criteria of being good enough, then there would be nothing better than to see these youngsters becoming more involved.

Some of them need further improvement and that next stage lies with us, giving them both opportunity and encouragement.

It is back to league action on Saturday with the visit of Dover and we have picked up bits and bobs about them that might be of benefit.

They have gone about their business in an efficient manner and if they maximised all their games in hands would have more points than us so it is another Tamworth type game.

Competing at the top of the table is treading new ground for us but it is an experience we are relishing and look forward to continuing.

JOHN BARTON was talking to reporter NAT SYLVESTER.