Clerima claims Magpies have a new-found energy after positive results

Having been inspired by their recent results, Remy Clerima believes he can sense a new-found ‘energy’ among his Maidenhead United teammates ahead of what promises to be a testing end to the month.

The Magpies are set to face second placed Chesterfield at home next Tuesday before welcoming National League leaders FC Halifax Town to York Road on Saturday, January 22, and, while the Magpies will go into both games as underdogs, Clerima is optimistic they can prolong their recent good form.

Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Aldershot Town was hard-earned but well-deserved and built on the side’s impressive 1-0 win over Bromley just after Christmas. It’s lifted the side four points clear of the relegation zone, even if they remain fourth from bottom. They’re also now just a couple of points adrift of Wealdstone, who they’ll play twice over the next couple of months after both of their scheduled games over Christmas were postponed.

The Magpies are set to visit the Stones on Tuesday, February 15 before welcoming them to York Road on Tuesday, March 8.

“It was definitely a good point. It’s a shame that we were 1-0 up and couldn’t manage to keep the score to come out with three points. But, considering the run we’ve had recently, it’s a positive note to finish the game with something,” said Clerima.

“We won against Bromley and now we have drawn against decent opposition. It has given the team a better energy, a better vibe.

“Training has been a good vibe, it always has been, but you can definitely feel that it’s a bit more relaxed. We don’t feel the pressure as much given our recent results. We are not turning up feeling, ‘oh we lost again’. We play with a smile and positive energy, and with that you can do better. Hopefully we can carry on our unbeaten run.”

Clerima revealed Alan Devonshire and his coaching team worked the squad hard in training ahead of Saturday’s game at Aldershot, ensuring they went into the game without any loss of intensity.

“We had 10 days or something like that before the Aldershot game, so he (Devonshire) definitely worked us hard,” said Clerima.

“There was no rest. Especially after the run we had, there was no need to have a rest. The results we’ve picked up show it’s all been worth it.”