I ASKED the lads to look after themselves over the Christmas period and I think you could see that we played with a high tempo (at Supermarine) and we’d kept the fitness levels high.

There is always a lot going on at Christmas but we sat down and discussed it with the players and I think they were all in agreement that this is an important part of the year.

We’ll have to utilise the squad in the next couple of games because they are two high-intensity matches and it’s difficult for players to get their energy reserves back in the space of 48 hours.

Totton will be a big test. They are top of the table for a reason, have big financial backing and I think it will be a really good football match.

A lot of teams come to Hardenhuish Park to shut up shop, but the way they play, I’m sure we’ll see an open, expansive game of football Against Supermarine, we saw the quality that Lewis (Powell) has got and the frightening thing is that he’s running at 70 per cent at the moment.

If we wanted the ball to fall to anyone, it would be Lewis Powell – I thought his all-round game was fantastic and I’m just pleased for him because earlier on in the season he was getting a little bit of criticism for not getting the goals.

He’s come back now and answered his critics and he’s a lad we firmly believe in and want him to do well.

It’s always nice to score goals but the manner of the goals and the way we played was the most pleasing thing.

I’m pleased we’ve got the three points away from home in a difficult place to go to but I don’t take any great delight in bragging over anything.

I’m more interested in us doing the right things and getting the right results.

We want to finish this year on a high.

I’ve said before that where we are in the league is a testament to my players and now they are getting their rewards a little bit.

To come through the adversity they have had to face – the FA Cup expulsion, injuries, suspensions, travelling with just one sub or sometimes even no subs – does them great credit.

The league is fairly open this year and they have put themselves in a good position.

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