Robins boss Michael Duff hopes that the 6-2 win against Arsenal under-21s in midweek will act as a “shot in the arm” for his players as they look for a positive result against Mansfield on Saturday.
Tuesday night’s Checkatrade Trophy clash against a young Gunners side saw a number of first team players rested; but a brace from Jacob Maddox and goals from Chris Clements, Will Boyle, Kelsey Mooney and Ryan Broom comfortably saw Duff get his first win a Cheltenham boss.
Looking ahead to Saturday’s league game, Duff explained that his players were down after last weekend’s defeat but insists that his team is confident after the midweek result and encouraged them to build on that.
“It was a nice feeling to win but we need to have that feeling more often,” said Duff.
“But to see it out, consolidate it and then go on and score another couple of goals was pleasing to see.
“There was a bit more life in the dressing room after Tuesday’s result. Monday was flat and there was a lot of disappointed players, staff and we had to address that because you can’t feel sorry for yourself, no one else is.
“Hopefully it will inject a bit of confidence and it’s something to build on, but only time will tell.”
Mansfield go into Saturday’s match at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium unbeaten in the league on their travels and although Duff is aware of the threat the Stags pose, he knows his side are adaptable and said that results must improve if the Robins faithful are going to get behind his players.
Duff continued: “They’ve got a lot of athleticism in their team, so we know what to expect from them. It will be a tough game because they’ve just come in off the back of a 3-0 win, so they’ll be on a high.
"It’s pleasing from my point of view that we can go to four-four-two because the players understand that now, a lot of work’s gone into that and they can go to a five (at the back) and although some work needs doing with it, it shows that the players can adapt.
“We’re the most important thing at the minute. The supporters will come and will buy into it once they see more positive results. We know we have to go out and deliver more, and more for the supporters to buy in.”