After Saturday’s draw at Chesterfield, defender Neill Byrne has remained defiant in the squad’s self belief. 

Nick Haughton’s second half strike levelled the tie, before chances to win it went begging late on.

“We came here knowing it was a big game for us and for them, especially with them being just one place above us.”

“I thought we came here with a game plan to try and beat them and we probably didn’t stick to that as much as we would’ve wanted to in the first-half.”

The defender was pleased with the improvements in the Coasters second-half performance, however, seeing them come home with a hard-earned point.

“At half-time we spoke about it a lot and we rectified our mistakes and tried to push on and play the way that we knew we could in the second-half.

“I thought we did better. We created chances and kept there’s minimal – on another day we could’ve won it.”

“We came back from behind which shows great character from the lads. We stuck together and I thought we finished stronger. We looked fitter, and we had chances to win the game.”

The centre-back came up against a hefty challenge in the shape of Chesterfield frontman Tom Denton, and kept him relatively quiet.

“I’ve played against him a lot now. He’s a handful. He’s unorthodox. He’s 6’6 and you don’t come up against many strikers like that!

“It’s a tough battle every time you come up against him. He’s big, he’s physical and he’s not bad with his feet either.”

Byrne was pleased with how he, along with his defensive colleagues, managed the challenge posed by Denton.

“I thought we dealt with him well. We had to realise before the game and accept that he’s going to win headers, but I thought we minimised that and made the headers that he won less effective.”

The defender also commented on the two recent additions to the squad.

Firstly, Tom Walker who made his second appearance for the Coasters following his arrival from Salford.

“He knows a couple of the lads and he’s been a great addition. He had a great game last week and he’s effective in what he does.”

Secondly, Jamie Proctor who made his debut having signed on loan from Rotherham until the end of the season.

“He’s a big physical lad who’s been playing in higher up leagues. Obviously, we’re looking to get him fit and get the best out of him and let him help us to get out of this little sticky situation we’re in.”

Despite the current league table situation, Byrne made clear tgar confidence remains high amongst the squad.

“The mentality won’t change. It’s a credit to the gaffer and the lads the atmosphere is good. We believe in ourselves. We know we’re well capable of pushing out of this situation.”

“We’ll come in this week and work hard every day. I know they’re sitting fifth but we’ll go into it thinking that we should be winning this game.”

“That’s the belief that we need to have as a team going into every game thinking that we should win. We’ll keep that belief and that should help us in the run in.”

The lads will look to pick up three points when they welcome Boreham Wood to Mill Farm for a 3pm kick off on Saturday. Tickets can be purchased here