Robbo ponders team changes

Last updated : 03 September 2007 By Deano
It's expected the manager will make a few changes to his squad to give fringe players a run out and also keep the nucleus of his first team, fresh for Saturday's league game at home to Darlington.

Robbo has also dismissed claims his side was too lathargic against Chester at the weekend as they let a lead slip and dropped two points. He told today's star: "Sometimes, at the end of a busy schedule, you come out of it and feel a little bit drained, it happens.

"I know, I've played the game and sometimes it happens like that.

"We had worked really hard in the week, getting ready for three games in eight days, starting with the Chester one. We were sluggish but that's how it can go.

"It's just the energy levels and we are trying to get the balance right between getting them really motoring and really fit and giving them just enough rest so that they are not tired.

"Sometimes a number of games in a short time can take its toll. But I fully anticipate that come tomorrow and the game on Saturday we will be fully at it."

Robins also commented on the inept display by ref Graham Salisbury in the second period, who overuled the linesman in the build up to Chester's equaliser and missed a very strong penalty shout for handball by Kevin Ellison from an Ian Sharps header at the death.

"It was a definite penalty, it was blatant handball," said Robins. "Everyone thought so. The ref said it was ball to hand but he had his hands moving above his head.

"I'm disappointed not to win but we are still unbeaten in the league. Perhaps it was a game we were happy to take a point from because we could have lost it as well as won it.

"They had chances and Ian Sharps has made an unbelievable clearance off the line. There are one or two things we need to tighten up on. But I thought we worked our socks off again and I can't fault that.

Marc Joseph was replaced by Steve Brogan who had a super second half, Robins also explained his thinking behind the substitution.

"I made that change and wanted some sort of reaction from the players. I wanted to see if we could get the ball forward with a bit more quality rather than just knocking it up there.

"I told them not to be despondent because we hadn't won. We are still unbeaten and this is another step along the way for us."

Tomorrow's game at Field Mill is £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. Accompanied under 16's with an adult are admitted free of charge, kick off 7.45pm.

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