Ford's message: Keep calm and carry on playing the way we were

The Puritans saw their ten-match Evo-Stik Southern League winning sequence ended abruptly in Tuesday’s 7-1 hammering at Taunton Town but Ford feels that may be a blessing in disguise.

United travel to Slimbridge for Saturday’s Division One South & West clash still top of the table but with Ford adding a note of realisim to where his side will finish.

The Puritans only have a one-point advantage over Cinderford Town who have five games in hand.

Since going top, United have produced three performances that have not been as good as the form which took them to the summit and Ford feels the weight of being top has taken its toll on his players.

Ford said: “The first priority on Saturday is to get back to the level we know we can play at. If we do that then I’m sure we will ge three more points.

“We have to remember where we came from and where we are now.

“We’re not going to win the title, Cinderford have got plenty of games to go above us even though some of them are in midweek.

“Being top of the table in March didn’t mean we had won anything but I can understand how some supporters were clinging to that because the club has been in the doldrums for such a long time.

“The pressure of being top and winning ten games in a row was becoming a burden on the players. Of course, they wanted to win an 11th game but that defeat may be just what we needed.”