Gaffer looks ahead to Checkatrade Trophy Semi-Final
Town boss Paul Hurst is hoping that the enforced break caused by last week’s postponements will have refreshed his squad ahead of tomorrow night’s Checkatrade Trophy Semi-Final against Yeovil Town.
Last Tuesday’s game against the Glovers fell foul of the weather, whilst Saturday’s game against Peterborough was also called off due to a frozen pitch and Hurst is hopeful that the players will come back mentally refreshed.
“Thursday we were due in and some lads were struggling to get in and then we were struggling with where to go, so in the end we took the decision to not come in and with the game being called off on Friday the players have had a little bit of a mini-break.
“I don’t think many have jetted off to warmer climates, but it’s been more a mental refresh for them. I said to them to get away from it, but to remember that when we are back in we’ve got a very big game to come back into.”
The players were back in this morning and preparation is now well underway ahead of the Semi-Final.
“Today we’ve been looking through the video that I held back last week because I thought there was a high chance of it being called off”, Hurst said.
“I’m just glad there’s a game because I think at one stage we were looking at the forecast and even Tuesday night would have been in doubt, so I’m pleased that the weather has picked up.
“We managed to get on the grass this morning, which again I wasn’t sure about because of the thawing process and the potential of flooding, so fingers crossed we can start getting back into our routine and look forward to some slightly better weather.”
Yeovil also had their game at Swindon called-off this weekend and Hurst expects them to be right up for it come 7:45pm tomorrow.
“I’m expecting a highly motivated team because of the prize that’s at stake”, Paul said.
“They’ve beaten five League One teams already this season including three in this competition, so they know how to beat teams and it shows that they can perform on their day.
“They aren’t in the higher reaches of League Two, but in terms of what their budget is and their expectations, realistically Darren (Way) is doing a good job there and if he can take his club to Wembley then that’s another massive boost for the club.
“We obviously want to go and spoil that and be the club that gets to the final.”