DARREN KELLY: I can’t fault the application of the players

People will look at the result from Tuesday night’s match at Buxton and think that we must’ve played poorly.
Boro boss Darren Kelly's columnBoro boss Darren Kelly's column
Boro boss Darren Kelly's column

That simply isn’t the case and said as much to the players after the game.

I have to hold my hands up and take responsibility for the result on Tuesday.

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We were very competitive in the match at 2-1 down playing in a 4-3-3 system and I decided to bring Coulo on and go for it in a 4-4-2.

That’s the risk and reward approach and sadly on this occasion it went the other way and they managed to bag a few more goals.

I can’t fault the effort and application of the players though against a very strong side and with so many players either unavailable or carrying knocks.

Dylan Cogill had a back complaint, Will Thornton’s ankle isn’t great and Ashley Jackson has a thigh issue, but all wanted to play through their niggles for the club and I applaud them for doing so.

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We still had Josh Barrett, Luke Porritt, Kieran Weledji, Isaac Assenso and Donald Chimalilo injured, Neal Bishop unable to play and Kieran Glynn suspended.

Coulo came off the bench and it was great to see him back, but again he isn’t 100% right and it will take time to get him back to full fitness.

I am really looking forward to getting back to the Flamingo Land Stadium this weekend and playing in front of our wonderful supporters - who I have to say were fantastic again on Saturday and Tuesday.

To stay to end and clap your team off after a 4-1 defeat with a long journey home in prospect is a phenomenal effort and I thank each and every one of them for their support.

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The big games are coming thick and fast for us now - starting with Nantwich on Saturday and then quickly into our derby match against Whitby Town on Tuesday.

We have Kieran Glynn available after his three game ban, Coulo will step up his return if all goes to plan, Neal Bishop is back in and hopefully Josh Barrett will be passed fit to return too.

Fingers crossed we can get some bodies back out there as we don’t have a big squad.

Let’s hope for three points on Saturday.