“We’ve kept clean sheets so we’ve got one end right. Now we need to work on the other end…”
Assistant Head Coach Gary Waddock breaks down the character and grit his side need to demonstrate as the U’s prepare to take on Accrington Stanley on Saturday afternoon.
Heading into the battle at the Abbey Stadium, the hosts sit in 18th, three points ahead of John Coleman’s side, who themselves are winless in seven in the league. In spite of that, the U’s know victory would soon catapult them up the table and prevent the need to look over their shoulders. Vitally, they need to be resolute and up for the challenges ahead.
“Over the last few years, we’ve shown that (character) in a number of games, so we need to do that again this weekend.
“We’ve got to be professional about it and approach the game the same as we would any other – turn up on Saturday at 3:00pm and put in a performance that will give ourselves a chance.
“It’s an important game – there’s three points at stake. Patience will be key for all parties really, because we’d like to start the game really well and get the lead and stuff like that, but it might not pan that way.”
Waddock reiterates the importance of recuperation throughout the build-up. Should they wish to build on their promising league performances, they need to take the game to the visitors and match them in every department.
“In the last three league games we’ve performed reasonably well. In between, we’ve had the two FA Cup games which we wanted to do better in, but at the end of the day we got through and are in the next round.
“The recovery is going to be key because we need to make sure we’re full of energy because Accrington play that way, they’ve got energy in their side and had the free week against us so they’ll be prepared and ready to go. It will be a difficult game, they all are, more so at this level as well.”
Despite keeping three consecutive clean sheets, the U’s have now failed to score in their previous four games, despite generating the chances. Waddock hopes, and is confident, that will soon change.
“It’s a good base. Clean sheets are very important as well for the confidence side, but you also have to score goals at the same time. It’s trying to get that balance where we’re nice and solid, but at the same time we have to be more productive.
“I’m sure that will balance itself out over the course of the year. You get one area right and then you have to work on the other area, that’s the way it is.
“We just need to keep creating chances, being ourselves, putting opponents under pressure in their defending third - and we will do that.”