Build a fortress

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Monday 30th Jan 2006.

ANDY Nicholas insists it is time for Town to display fortress form' as he and his colleagues prepare for the first of four home games in their next five fixtures.

Walsall, Doncaster, Gillingham and Rotherham all visit the County Ground in the next month, all teams in the bottom half of the table and whose form isn't that impressive.

A healthy haul of points from those matches would provide a massive shot in the arm for Nicholas and company, with the former Liverpool defender's challenge being to emerge unbeaten from the four clashes.

The 22-year-old, arguably Town's best performer in last Friday's 2-0 defeat at league leaders Southend United, said: "We've been in the relegation zone for the best part of the season and we all want that to change.

"We've four home games coming up and we have to be looking at not losing any of them.

"We want to win them all and take maximum points, that would be a massive plus for us. Having said that, if we could come out with nine or 10 points then I think that would give everyone a boost and a lot of encouragement as well. We have to be picking up points at home. We haven't lost at home for quite some time and we need that to continue."

What Nicholas and his fellow back four must ensure is to not give the opposition any assistance.

Both Southend goals on Friday were conceded all too cheaply and Nicholas is fed up that too many opposition strikes have not been ones you can do nothing about.

Town have not paid the price for a moment of magic or a 35-yard screamer on too many occasions this season.

He said: "It wasn't a case of glaringly obvious personal mistakes but I can't remember the last time we conceded a good' goal from the opposition.

"It's hard to take. Still, we have to aim for a clean sheet against Walsall now and with people like Lee (Peacock) and Jamie (Cureton) in there, we've lads capable of getting the goals as we know we'll create chances.

"Rory going has hardly been mentioned since we said our goodbyes. Lee's come and settled in quickly, looks match sharp and I'm sure the gaffer will add another new face."

Ticket details are now available for the trip to Bradford City on Saturday February 11. Contact the Town box office on 0870 4431894.

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