Our lads will be fired up to make amends

AFTER the disappointment of our FA Cup exit at Accrington Stanley, it probably helps that we have such a big game to tackle this weekend when Huddersfield Town come to Boundary Park.

Preparing for a derby concentrates the mind because it is a special occasion.

They are flying high in the table, there is a rivalry between us, and a lot of their fans will be coming so it has all the ingredients for a good match.

While our lads have reacted well this week, it is the match day that counts and they have to prove themselves again tomorrow.

Myself, Paul Dickov and reserve-team manager Lee Duxbury have been in deep discussion regarding team selection for the Huddersfield game.

The reserves played well this week despite losing 1-0 against Shrewsbury Town.

It was a good run-out for the fringe players and some of them caught the eye.

We are open to the options we have in front of us in terms of bringing people back into the first-team picture, especially after the unacceptable performance at Accrington.

We were not outdone physically. It was an attitude problem, which is arguably more disappointing.

As staff we gave the players all the necessary pointers before the match, and the team we sent out there was more than capable of getting a result.

Unfortunately, we didn’t turn up until the second half, when it was already an uphill struggle.

Paul would tell you the same - we have all been there when we have played against lower-league sides and complacency sets in. It can be your undoing and that was the case for us.

Young Carl Winchester was probably our best player. He did not deserve to be on the losing team and, frankly, he showed up a few of the senior players.

The cut and thrust of an FA Cup-tie will have been great experience for Carl. He passed the test with flying colours.

Of all the other outfield players on the day, only Chris Taylor can hold his head up high.

Even though things were not going for him, he kept trying and having a go. He never stops in his attempts to unlock the opposition defence.

Now he has had a run of games and regained his fitness, we are seeing the Chris Taylor of two or three years ago.

Hopefully, he can do something special tomorrow.