The game this weekend is without a doubt the most important of the season so far. In our current position, picking up points against those around us will determine our final league position, and a home game on Saturday gives us a perfect opportunity.

We will be missing a number of key players due to injuries, suspension and work commitments, but we will not be looking to make any excuses once the game starts. One big loss will be Zak Brattan in midfield who broke his arm on Tuesday night. Zak has been playing very well in recent weeks and we will have to do our best to cope without him. We have a squad of players we believe can step in and do just as well as the man they are replacing, and this will be put to the test over the coming weeks.

The players know what the expectations are, for the game on Saturday and for the rest of the season; and they know if they fall below expectations we will need to address that quickly and do something about it. Last Saturday's performance was not acceptable and although we went some way to improving it on Tuesday night, it was still not where we know we can be.

The positives we can take out of the defeat Tuesday were the debut of Jake Thompson, who will give us exactly what we have been missing in defence. Jake is an old-fashioned centre half who will defend without fuss. Anthony Bowsley played well in midfield which again was another positive and gives us more options.

We hope as many supporters as possible come and support the team this Saturday in what might prove a crucial game in the battle to avoid relegation.