THERE is a different mentality at Worcester City this season and it’s good to see.
Players are starting to get into the habit of not getting beaten and believing they can win every game.
If you look back to the Harrogate FA Trophy game last month, we were 1-0 down but didn’t panic and kept playing the football we believe will give us success.
Unfortunately, on that day it didn’t come off for us although we created numerous chances.
It was a similar situation in the 2-2 draw against Hyde last Saturday. We were trailing twice but continued to pass the ball well, created opportunities and got ourselves back into the game and I felt we were unfortunate not to win it.
At Hinckley United on Monday, we were 2-0 down after 10 minutes but kept believing in ourselves and turned it around to pick up three valuable points with goals from Lee Smith, Kevin O’Connor and Simon Brown.
Once we came back to 2-1, I knew we would go on and win the game, I didn’t have any doubts and I think that belief runs throughout the camp.
Although we had a good set of lads last year, there were times we didn’t believe as a group that we could get anything from games.
That has changed this season and being sixth in the league is a major factor in that. We have had one or two blips — every team does — and winning games breeds confidence.
Going back to when we avoided relegation from Conference South in 2010, it was difficult to attract players to the club that summer because there was a perception we would struggle again.
I suppose last season’s position of 16th indicated that was the case but, realistically, we were never in danger.
We are now well established in the top half of Blue Square Bet North and players are contacting us wanting to come and join Worcester City.
It’s really enjoyable at the moment and if anybody had said we would be on the edge of the play-offs coming up to Christmas, we would have certainly taken it.
Another encouraging sign has been the crowds. We had 782 at St George’s Lane for the Hyde match and, although we were playing the league leaders, that was brilliant in the build-up to Christmas.
Hopefully, we are entertaining them and long may that continue so the gates get even bigger.
Saturday sees us without a game but, following two positive results, we have taken the opportunity to give the players a rest.
We won’t train again until Monday when we will start to prepare for next Saturday’s trip to Colwyn Bay.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here