Up our game for play-off bid: Jim
STOCKPORT County manager Jim Gannon believes his side need to be a lot better with the ball if they are to secure a play-off spot this season.
The Hatters are in seventh place in the National League North table, one point outside the play-off places.
Gannon is hopeful that his side can finish in the play-offs, but admits that certain improvements need to be made if that is to become a reality.
“We are a really good side which is organised, has great energy and has good work ethic, so that will get us far, but if we are going to be a team that wins the play-offs then we have to be better with the ball,” he said.
“That’s a mental change that we have to create in the players in the next few weeks and months so that when we do get in the play-offs then we take better care of the ball.
“If we go up and don’t have the resources that the teams above them have then we need to make that improvement.
“We need to see how we can get our team to the next level and get a bit more out of them. Is it about sticking to what we have got to try and get better players in? Or is it getting the overall play we’ve got better so that when we get into the situation with the tops side then we know how to manage the game better?”
County’s last game saw them earn a point after a hard-fought 3-3 draw at home to promotion rivals Darlington.
Gannon was pleased with the display he saw, and felt it showed just what his team are capable of against other strong sides.
“It was a very entertaining game with loads in it, and we saw glimpses of a team that can mix it up with using front players and midfielders to build,” he said.
“There were a few instances where we gave away cheap possession so we are still a working progress, but I am optimistic that the team can play football.
“We know how to play direct and on the counter attack, but what really pleased me was that we switched it and a few instances we looked like a Jim Gannon team from the past.
“I was excited by the prospect of seeing that team play, and the chances we created came from good football and good penetrative play.”
County have a game against another play-off rival this weekend when they make the trip to the Shay to face FC Halifax Town.
The two teams were held to a 1-1 draw when they met in the reverse fixture at Edgeley Park in August.