Boss wants his players to be brave in possession

Steve Davis wants his players to continue to be brave and courageous in possession as the club go in search of a first win in seven games this weekend at fellow strugglers Notts County. Chris Kiwomya’s side are currently second from bottom in League One but did recently enjoy a 2-0 over Tranmere Rovers. It will be another tough test for an Alex side arguably suffering from a dip in confidence but the Alex boss says the players have the ability to play through the adversity.

Ahead of this weekend’s clash with the Magpies, Steve told us: “It will be a tough game because Notts County will look at our form and see this as a game they can win, especially at home. It is the same for us, we will be looking to go there and put on a positive performance and get a result like we did at Oldham.

“I thought we lacked a bit of bravery and courage on the ball against Gillingham, especially when we were chasing the game. When we go a goal or two goals behind, we have got to be better. We have got to show some real fight and desire to try and get back into the game.

“I watched Newcastle at Everton on Monday night and they were 3-0 down at half-time and out of it. Alan Pardew made a couple of changes at the break and they came out with real belief. They gave it a real go, scored two and were perhaps a bit unlucky not to have got a 3-3 draw. It was a terrific effort from them and that is what I want.

“You have to have that belief. On Saturday against Gillingham, we were not dropping off and getting the ball off of the goalkeeper or the back four, so it went long too often. With two smaller ones up there it was very difficult playing like that.

“They need to show that bravery to get on the ball and pass it. When I watched the game back you can see who wants the ball, who wants to get possession and to get us to play the right way.”