Defender James Jennings believes that our excellent recent form, which has seen us go eight matches unbeaten in Sky Bet League Two, is down to our ‘effective’ style of play.
We moved up to third position in the table last weekend, as we inflicted a first defeat of the season on arch-rivals Chesterfield in front of a sell-out crowd at the Proact Stadium.
“It was a really good game and it’s probably one of the best games that I have played in,” said Jennings.
“Everyone wants to play in those games. The atmosphere was electric. We got a great result and all the lads are still buzzing.
“They (Chesterfield) were a great team and it wouldn’t surprise me if they go on to win the league, but we went there with a game-plan and it worked.
“If you get in the faces of any team that try to play football and press them, then they don’t like it. That’s what we did and they became frustrated.
“We all had to be switched on, as it was a game where concentration was needed for the full 96 minutes, but the lads did well and worked hard.
“We do know that we’re not pretty on the eye to watch, but we’re grafting, everyone is digging in from all areas on the pitch and I think that’s why we’re doing well.”
Our left-back continued: “At the end of the day, you have got to do what you’re good at. We could have gone there and tried to play, but we would have probably got taught a lesson.
“We went there and did what we’re most effective at and it worked for us. Sometimes, it might not work, but as long as we work hard and put a shift in, more often than not, it will pay off.”
Jennings also had special praise for shot-stopper Alan Marriott, who has been nominated for the Sky Bet League ‘Player of the Month’ award, following his heroic performance at Chesterfield.
He said: “Alan was brilliant and he made some brilliant saves. He was there when he was needed and it doesn’t surprise me that he’s been nominated for the ‘Player of the Month.”
Despite our excellent form in recent weeks, Jennings doesn’t want out team to become complacent, when we play host to Hartlepool United at One Call Stadium on Saturday.
He added: “We have got to look at the next game now. It was nice to go away and win at Chesterfield, but we have got to try and get three points against Hartlepool.”
James Jennings’ full interview will be available on Stags Player later today. To subscribe, click here.
