Boost as Sam set to return

JIM Gannon is hoping for a boost this weekend when County line up against Chorley – the return of key man Sam Minihan, who missed out on the Kidderminster clash after missing training.

The Hatters right-sided midfielder is almost certain to return for the crucial Chorley tie according to Gannon.

“Sam’s important to us in terms of his energy and his work rate, but we thought the shrewdest thing to do would be to rest him and make sure he’s perfectly fit for next week.

“It’s very, very likely that Sam will be available. If we’d have risked him, it may have caused an issue. Sam was a 10/10 against FC United, but that performance took its toll and whether it’s fatigue or an injury, the sensible choice was to not play him but the bonus of that is that it’s very likely that we have him available next week.”

Kidderminster became the only side so far this season to do the double over The Hatters with the win at Aggborough, and County remain outside of the play-off positions on goal difference alone – although Gannon explained that only “hard work and efficiency” from his young side would propel County to success.

“We’ve played a team that’s up there and lost twice, and that shows a gulf between where we are now and where we want to be as one of those National League level sides.

“We have enough about us to be a very good National League North side, what we have to do now is focus on getting back to that efficiency and hard work which has served us so well, because that will get us into the play-offs.

“I was pleased enough with several performances, but we had a couple just off the pace. Maybe that’s the difference between part-time and full-time, and having that physical and mental sharpness – or maybe it’s a quality issue.”