Marlon Pack believes that they must now reach a new level to achieve promotion.
Cheltenham midfielder Marlon Pack believes that he and his team-mates must now step up a level if promotion is to be achieved.The Robins are just a day away from kick off in their play-off semi-final first leg away at Northampton Town's Sixfields and a favourable result away from home would put Cheltenham Town in the driving seat for the return leg here at the Abbey Business Stadium on Sunday evening (6.45pm kick off).
Two previous victories over Northampton this season may help psychologically but Marlon has warned that form plays no part in a play-off semi-final and he is expecting a tough encounter versus the Cobblers.
“Northampton will be very difficult,” he said.
“League Two games against Northampton are hard enough but these play-off games are special and teams are always up for it a bit more. The good thing is that we know what they’re going to bring and hopefully that will stand us in good stead. We’ve had two wins over them this season but we won’t take anything for granted because those results will mean nothing. I think Torquay had the better of us last season and we beat them over both games.
“We need to make sure we’re doing our jobs because the ball is going to be coming over early and they have some big threats up front. If we can be resolute and solid then our forward players will get some goals.”
Another play-off campaign is an achievement for Cheltenham Town but another Wembley final would be massive for a side that narrowly missed our on automatic promotion.
There is no talk about the heartache of last season but Marlon admitted the experience of losing at Wembley has given him greater understand of what is to be expected and he believes that he and his team-mates will do everything in their power to reach another level over the coming days and weeks.
“Reaching the play-offs is another good achievement for us all and, with last season’s experience, we know what is expected of us and we know what to expect of the whole experience.
“Of course we’re a little disappointed too because we were so close to automatic promotion but the talk around the camp now is going one better than last season and taking promotion. The experience of last season will help us.
“We cannot let the hard work we have put in go by over 180 minutes.Â
"We must give it our all and hope the results match those we had in the league. It will be a tough ask but something we will do our best to achieve. Hopefully there will be some luck along the way but we will give it our all to go one step further this season.”
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