Squad mentality the key ahead of Steelmen's crucial clashes

Phil Trainer had this effort ruled out for offside during Corby Town's 3-0 defeat at Barwell on Saturday. Pictures by David Tilley

A pivotal few days in the Steelmen’s quest for survival in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division begins with a long midweek trek to the north-west before Marine make the return journey to Steel Park on Saturday.

Corby are in the place above the relegation zone on goal difference while Marine sit just a point above them with just over a month of the season remaining.

Little changed over the weekend as the Steelmen were beaten 3-0 at Barwell while others around them in the relegation scrap were also beaten in their respective fixtures.

Aaron Brown challenges former Steelmen striker Callum Ball during the weekend loss at Barwell

It has made the next two matches with Marine potentially season-defining as Mills’ team look to complete the great escape from the drop.

And, despite the weekend loss, the Corby boss is keen to ensure his team stay in good spirits.

“It is another game gone, thankfully there wasn’t a great deal of damage done and that’s the good news,” Mills said.

“It would have been great to pick up something at Barwell but it was a disappointing day.

“I want the lads remain upbeat and confident. Since the turn of the year they have been absolutely fantastic.

“We will be on the coach up there together and we have to make sure our preparation is spot on. For me, it’s all about the mental side of it now.

“We have to be positive and we will look forward to the next game.

“It’s when you feel sorry for yourselves that you are at your weakest and we can’t afford to feel like that.”

Mills, meanwhile, insists he will “look closely” at his squad before picking his team for tomorrow’s clash.

He has been able to name an unchanged line-up for the past few games.

But after Saturday’s loss, he added: “We will look closely at the squad.

“It has been great to be able to pick the same team for a few games in a row.

“But we have to be wary of the effort that has gone into those games and the fatigue that might creep in.

“I want to be fair to the players who have taken us on such a great run but we may have a look at changing a couple of things if we feel it’s the right thing to do to help us get a result.”