Ford is not giving up on top five spot for Puritans

If the Puritans are going to make the top five in the BetVictor Southern League they must start getting points back on the board again, something they’ve not done in their last three outings.

In fairness, all three defeats have come against teams in the top five, Peterborough Sports, Premier Central leaders Tamworth and the latest against Bromsgrove Sporting. United have gone into all three games with several key players missing or departed but should still have got something out of each one.

Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Hitchin Town, Ford said: “We need to start winning games quickly if we’re going to finish in the top five. To do that, I need to get my players back as quickly as possible.

“Some of my better players were loving football a few weeks ago, playing with other decent players week-in, week-out who they can trust with the ball. We were strong, competitive and our style was causing teams problems. They’re probably looking around now and wondering where it’s all gone.

“We’ve been valiant in our efforts to win games in recent weeks, having to plug gaps and we’ve not had any continuity.

“We’ve been so close to getting something out of those games and that’s been the most frustrating thing. We’ve not had the same back four for 21 games now, that’s too many changes and would affect any team at any level, you’ve got to get it right at the back, not chopping and changing every game.

“I’m not giving up on us getting into the top five, I have to challenge myself, my players and the club to finish as high as we can. We’re not in it to finish mid-table, we’ve got a bit to do but it can be done.”