PAUL Sturrock is encouraged by the training-ground response to his verbal blast but chokes at any suggestion that the visit of relegation-haunted Accrington Stanley is a home banker', writes JON RITSON.

The manager wants both a positive result and a positive performance.

He cannot guarantee the first part but no excuses for the second.

Sturrock, pictured, said: "I'm hoping a lot of them have taken the criticisms on board.

"A lot of them have shown a great attitude to training and that's what I want every training session.

"Some have surprised me, some haven't. The proof of the pudding will be on Saturday.

"We've worked very hard this week on the shape of the team and the organisation, when we have the ball and they have the ball. We're very hopeful that the work we've done will benefit the team against Accrington.

"The final score is important and the attitude and work rate is important.

"If someone shows a lack of zest, enthusiasm, will to win, attitude and character, they've pinned their colours to the mast and I'll understand the situation with regard to them."

Accrington arrive in Wiltshire having already lost 10 times on their travels but Sturrock reads little into that.

He said: "We've just come off a 3-0 defeat, our back four is now depleted even more, we've an apprehension in the camp, if things don't go well in the first 30 seconds of the game I'm sure we'll have a baying for blood.

"I'd like to think that's not true and that the supporters will be appreciative that the game is 90 minutes.

"We're playing a team that's scored more goals than us and they are very very forward thinking.

"Accrington are a big side, aggressive and a much better side than their position suggests. They are dangerous opposition."

So while the bookies might not favour anything other than a home win, Sturrock is taking nothing for granted.

The Town boss said: "What I'm trying to say is that there is no sure' win in this game of football.

"I've been in so many circumstances where a team has been a banker' and not won the game."