SOUTHERN LEAGUE: Togetherness is key for Stanley (From Swindon Advertiser)

SOUTHERN LEAGUE: Togetherness is key for Stanley

7:30am Friday 27th January 2012 in Football By Andy Warren

WINGER Nick Stanley is convinced Swindon Supermarine’s team spirit is the club’s key weapon in their battle to avoid relegation from the Southern Premier.

Marine travel to Evesham this weekend to face a side who have pulled away from the relegation places in recent weeks, and Stanley is confident he and his side can come away with the points if they stick together.

“After the game at St Albans last week (2-1 defeat) everybody was gutted because we conceded a dodgy late penalty, but at the same time we showed so much belief that results like that will not get to us.

“We played some good stuff, and the performance showed us we can compete.

“At this level it is vital to have that team spirit, and we need to show it now.

“As long as we have the team spirit then everything is available to us and everything is possible, but if we lose it then we are in real trouble.”

While joint manager Gary Horgan admitted the trip to Evesham was very important in his side’s quest to survive, he insisted it was not a make or break game.

“If we were to lose it there would be a lot of points to make up, but we need to win to try and suck them back into the relegation battle.

“Someone will get sucked in and we need to take advantage, but there are 19 games to go and plenty of points up for grabs.

“Evesham have picked up recently since they brought in a new manager and have the ability to score some goals so this game is vital, but no more so than all of the rest.”

Striker Bradley Gray is in contention for a start after playing half an hour in midweek in his comeback from a broken ankle, but they will be without Matt Wright whose loan from Salisbury has expired.

Supermarine could pursue an extension for the striker’s loan, but with Wright based in Plymouth it could be difficult.

“I think Matt has been told he is free to leave Salisbury, but he is now based in Plymouth having previously been in digs in Salisbury, so it is a three hour drive for him to get to Swindon.

“That is obviously a big ask, so we may have to look elsewhere for a striker, although I doubt we will be able to get anyone in before the weekend.

The only other absentee is forward Steve Cook, leaving Horgan and Matt Robinson with a healthy squad to chose from in Worcestershire.