The week that could define our season...

[RobYeltz]

To be given three games like we have in a week is unbelievably difficult, and it will as the title of the thread suggests really define our season. Whatever the outcome of all three of these really tough games we know that the management and players will give it their all - as they have all season. Whilst two consecutive 0-0 draws at lower position teams might not be considered as the best preparation for the battles ahead it may help us in the sense that maybe the expectation level has dropped a little. Anyone who made the short journey to Sutton in the space of few days before Christmas went there with a sense of trepidation. The plastic pitch was going to be a factor against two well organised sides, or so we thought, but the lads saw both games out superbly winning both games late. At that particular time we were very much chasing teams above us and we seemed to thrive on the chase with nothing to lose.

As the league table now shows, we are once again chasing and I hope this brings out the best in the players. I don't particularly think they've done anything wrong and the lack of league games hasn't helped us at times. However, I think chasing teams means we really have nothing to lose. In my book Coalville are favourites, and have it all to lose. I'd really like to see our boys relax over the next three games and not feel that we expect them to win every game. Of course, we want to win all three games and in my opinion we are capable of doing so.

So why am I writing this? As great as it is that our crowds are growing I have to say that I'm a little disappointed at the vocal encouragement. At Marske we really made ourselves heard, we all pretty much congregated together in the same place and sang our heads of from 1st minute to last. I'd really like to see us do that over the next three games. I'm even prepared to give up my usual half way line position at home to join in with the sing song. Away at Coalville it will be great to get as many folk there as possible despite it being a nightgame to get to if you don't have access to a car.

With Albion and Villa not playing on Saturday, I see no reason why we can't get 500 people there on Saturday, bring your mates, tweet like mad about the game, Facebook it, bombard the local papers to publicise it, or just send out the carrier pigeons! Irrespective, back the boys, let's give them as much support as their efforts deserve.

Up the Yeltz!

[RaidenYeltz]

I think more consideration from the league should have been given for the Coalville game. From both the sides point of view.

What ever your thoughts on these 3 games, whether you think we'll win or lose, it's what football is about, isn't it?

I'm really excited for the Leek game. I love big games.

For me Leek is a must win. Firstly we need the points, regardless of who we play and secondly a confidence boost heading into the next two fixtures.

Coalville a must not lose. I think a draw would be a great result, not losing is key. Belper a must win.

Ideally win all three. 7 points would be good, anything less than that 7 I'd find it hard to see how we can win the league - but won't give up hope.

Excited and nervous for the week and a bit ahead.

Come on you Yetlz.

[gemma]

Worst case is we lose all three. But even if we did we would still be well placed for the play-offs and I would back our team against any in this league in the play-offs. So, whatever the next three results I think it is vitally important we all stay behind the team, cheering them on to the end of the season.

[CRH Yeltz]

Lets also not lose sight of the remaining games after the three next week as well. We could win all 3 but then have a bad run. The main thing for me is keep doing what we have all season, there are 9 points on offer here and I'd take 5 or 6 now. I agree that Coalville are in the box seat and I feel that if they are top in a couple of weeks, they won't make the same mistake as last time out.

If we manage to get all 9 points, then its us with the advantage for the time being. I think there might be a few twists and turns yet though, who would have thought Coalville would lose at home to Romulus after beating us?

Regardless of all this, the playoffs look our likely destination and I think everyone would have taken that in August. Win the league and it will be like Christmas has come early.

So defining, probably. Important, definitely. Exciting, you bet! Roll on Saturday.

[RaidenYeltz]

Wouldn't it be a late Christmas?

[piearce9]

I was planning to kick off a similar conversation on this...just to see what people's expectations and hopes for this massive week- and to give us something to reflect on afterwards.

So what would you all be happy with in terms of points from these three matches?

My personal view is that we'll need at least five points to continue a fight for the title. More, and I'd be happy. Less, and I'd be disappointed.

[RobYeltz]

I was planning to kick off a similar conversation on this...just to see what people's expectations and hopes for this massive week- and to give us something to reflect on afterwards.

So what would you all be happy with in terms of points from these three matches?

My personal view is that we'll need at least five points to continue a fight for the title. More, and I'd be happy. Less, and I'd be disappointed.

In an ideal world, if we had to slip up against any team I'd prefer it to be Belper. Losing earlier in the season to Leek and Coalville means we could with do with winning both of those games...

[RobYeltz]

Part one of the trilogy is over, and what a day! A fantastic crowd, an outstanding result and a typically hard working, spirited performance. Whilst it is important to savour such great days and pat all concerned firmly on the back for their efforts today we need to be focussed very quickly again on Tuesday. Hopefully those players who have taken knocks will be fully recovered and raring to go on Tuesday once more. I'm not sure if Coalville not playing today will be a help or a hindrance to us, but we can go there with confidence. Whilst goal scoring hasn't been easy to come by recently, we have once again kept another clean sheet. If we can go to Coalville on Tuesday and keep another clean sheet I'll be delighted, as we can always get a goal out of nothing.
Having read the tweets of the manager and some of the players after the game they've all commented about the crowd, they clearly raised the bar today to match the crowd. We really need to do all we can to keep the momentum going. Get that coach filled up, get the cars full of supporters and let's go to Coalville on Tuesday in big numbers and give the boys the same support again!