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Interviews

Preview: Reid on Carlisle United

13 November 2020

Interviews

Preview: Reid on Carlisle United

13 November 2020

Reuben Reid was the goal scoring hero in last season's trip to Carlisle United.

The striker netted a first half goal which proved to be enough to deliver three points on a wet and windy night in Cumbria back in February.

He'll be looking to make a similar sort of impact if involved in Saturday's squad again this weekend as the Robins face their longest journey of the season at Brunton Park.

"This is one of the fixtures the boys look out for because we know it's the longest one and you're praying you don't get it on a Tuesday night like we did last year!" Reid said.

"There are good memories from last season albeit the weather was a bit crazy. We had a good result.

"From a personal point of view it's a stadium that I've scored in before and as a striker or player generally if you've scored in a familiar surrounding before then you're probably a bit more comfortable and it might boost your confidence.

"I don't think we can take anything from last year's game at all as a collective. That game was pretty much a one-off game with the wind and the way the conditions were - probably the worst I've ever played in.

"It was actually quite scary departing from the hotel where we had our pre-match and then travelling to the game. The wind was howling, the sleet was coming in our faces and it was a real roll your sleeves up type of day.

"Thankfully we got ourselves a goal and managed to get ourselves ahead and then we held out for a very valuable three points."

Cheltenham go into Saturday's contest one place and one point behind Carlisle who have been excellent at home this season - recording five wins out of five from their League Two matches on their own turf.

The Robins are looking to build a consistent run of form in the league having enjoyed back-to-back cup victories heading into the weekend and Reid recognises that there are small details the team need to get right if they are to increase their chances of gaining victory.

"I know we're a good side," he added. "I know we've got good individuals and I know we've got a good performance in us on any given day. There's a few things that have been letting us down along the way at the start of the season so far but it's nothing too drastic.

"From my point of view if we were the finished article a lot of us guys wouldn't be playing at this level. We'd be rolling teams over. It all makes for a good ride for the season and hopefully we can get the little things that are letting us down a little bit and become a bit more consistent in our performances. Not just week to week or game by game but passages of play in individual games or halves of football."

The 32-year-old has notched five goals in 12 appearances in all competitions in the campaign so far.

He has been a useful source of goals for Michael Duff's squad but takes pride as much in how well he has maintained his fitness levels this season than the goal contribution he has provided for the team.

"I've been happy but I think there's always more to come from me I believe. One thing I will say is that I've played Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday now and come through well in the games. From a physical aspect I was told I'd never be able to play Saturday and then play a Tuesday game after recent history with my knee.

"That's something I'm proud of. I've proved to myself that I can come in and train and be available for every training session, be available for every game, and I think I've been okay.

"I really want to hit a nice run of form and be the guy that people turn to and say can you produce to get us three points week-in-week-out? Hopefully that will happen."

You can watch Saturday's match in full online by purchasing an iFollow match pass. They are available to buy online for £10 ahead of this weekend's game.


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