9:50am Friday 5th March 2010
By Simon Mail
Wealdstone boss Gordon Bartlett admits his team badly need to regain their confidence after another blow to their promotion hopes.
The Stones were beaten 2-0 at home to Hendon on Tuesday night which left them with only one Ryman Premier win in nine games. It was also their third consecutive defeat at the St George's Stadium.
Bartlett said: "I have got confidence in these players because it's the same group that did so well early on in the season. They haven't turned into a bad team. This is a good side on a very bad run of form.
"Sides at this level are much of a muchness so confidence and the mindset is a major factor. The mindset is a problem for us, we're not playing with any confidence or fluency. The main thing is to get individuals into a positive mindset with confidence in one another."
Wealdstone have slipped to 11th in the table, six points behind the top-five, but Bartlett still believes his team can get 30 points over the rest of the season which he thinks will earn a play-off spot.
Bartlett said: "We have thrown away a wonderful position but we have to resurrect that by getting results. I think 70 points should get in the play-offs and we have 16 games left. It is achievable but getting the first three points is the biggest problem."
The Stones travel to Cray Wanderers tomorrow in desperate need for a win to kick-start their season. Bartlett insists his team have to focus on their own display if they want to get back on track.
"We have got to ensure that we pick up a win," the manager added. "That will boost our confidence and other things will follow. We cannot look at anybody else. It's about what we do."
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