Nantwich Town leading goalscorer Elliot Osbourne has urged his team mates to put their FA Cup disappointment behind them by beating Grantham at home in the league, writes Richard Scott.
The Dabbers have scored 23 goals already this season, but failed to find the target for the first time this season in their 1-0 away cup defeat at Spalding United.
Now they have a chance to put things right tomorrow (September 19) when they welcome Grantham to the Weaver Stadium.
Osborne said: “We’ve scored a lot of goals so far this season.
“But in what some might say is the most important game so far this season we have not scored which is disappointing.
“I think it was an off day, unfortunately. We won’t let this set in, that’s for sure.
“We will regroup and go again. It’s been hard playing Saturday then Tuesday and then Saturday for some of the players.
“I’m quite tired in the mind rather than in the legs.
“There is no point in moaning about it as it’s the same for all clubs in the league, and those in leagues above us, too.
“The positive is that it allows you to build momentum and go on a winning run.
“However, this week we’ve had no midweek games, just Tuesday and Thursday training, so it’s Grantham on Saturday and trying hard for another three points.”
Nantwich had chances to equalise at Spalding and force a replay.
“It’s a disappointment to go out so early because I thought we could have a good cup run,” added Osbourne.
“But Spalding is a tough place to go. They are doing very well in the league and will no doubt be challenging near the top of the table come April time. They have a really good team.
“The pitch isn’t great and you are not used to playing on surfaces like this in our league. It didn’t help our style of play.
“We created the opportunity for them, to be honest. It’s one of those goals we are conceding too often, but I’m confident all the lads will cut this out from our game.
“If we do, we are in with a great chance this season as teams are only scoring by our errors, they are finding us hard to break down other than that.”
Osborne has started every game this season, but he knows the bench is strong and anyone could take his place.
“The competition for places is strong. That’s good. Keeps me on my toes and also gives great options when we need to change things mid-game.
“I think the gaffer Phil Parkinson has got a few different players into the squad and some are adapting quicker than others.
“I think it’s a strong squad. The best I’ve played in so far in my career for sure.
“There are people on the bench, you can see the likes of Steve Jones, Jon Moran and Chris Smith. Wow. What a bench.
“They would go to other teams in our league and start straight away and they will be competing hard to get into our team.
“With the inevitable injuries we will pick up, our bench will be needed many times this season.
“It’s a good squad with strength in depth. We have just got to keep the attitude going and hopefully come the end of the season we will be pushing for that promotion spot.
“With the facilities we have got, and the players we have got, we can push hard to be in the league above.”
Kick off at the Weaver Stadium tomorrow is 3pm.
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