AT least 13 wasn't unlucky for us. Friday night could have been our 13th game without a clean sheet, and that's something we have been conscious about.

So we drummed into the team (not just the defenders because we defend from the front) the importance of not conceding. So we were a) pleased that it worked and b) pleased that we beat Forest Green in the process.

We've struggled against the lesser teams previously, so a win puts us in good stead for Saturday's home game against Southport, and hopefully we can get a similar result from that.

I wouldn't say we've turned a corner in the respect of beating lower opposition because you can fall flat on your face at any time. For example, Forest Green had a chance from a corner after just two minutes. If that goes in, the whole complex of the game changes. Things are very luck orientated, and we rode it at times.

But the main thing is we won and kept a clean sheet.

The conditions weren't the best on Friday night because it was so cold. But I was trying to drum into the players that the pitch was playable, more suited to us and that they hadn't to be scared of falling over.

Maybe the methods of our hypnopsychotherapist Lesley are rubbing off on me!

But I felt it was important that the pitch wasn't a disadvantage to us psychologically.

What will be a boost to us mentally now is having been top of the league. Even though it only lasted until the day after, the players know what it feels like to be up there.

I think the penny's dropped with the players the importance of what we want.

We've had a couple of setbacks - and I keep harping back to Stevenage and Worcester - but we've got to make going out of the FA Cup worth it now, and the only way to do that is go for promotion.

On a disappointing note, Saturday will be Darren Randolph's last game of his loan spell.

He has loved his time here and is made up with everything about the club - the fans, the management, everything.

You forget how young he is because of his ability, and I think he will go far in the game.

l WE will welcome back two familiar faces on Saturday, albeit in Southport colours.

Jamie Speare and Jerome Fitzgerald will return to the Interlink Express Stadium, and I'm sure they will both get a warm welcome.

Jez wasn't with us for very long, but in his six years with the club, Jamie was a real fans' favourite. We look forward to catching up with the pair of them, hopefully after another Stanley win!