TOM Aldred has urged Accrington Stanley to get back to basics after chalking off a much-needed win.
The Reds’ impressive 2-1 triumph at Cheltenham Town on Saturday ended a run of four games without success, which had resulted in them staying out of the relegation zone on goal difference only.
A decisive goal for Luke Joyce – the captain’s first in almost two years – sets Stanley up well for an action packed week, kicking off with Saturday’s visit of Bury.
With just a point and a place separating the two teams, 18th placed Accrington will be keen to put increased daylight between them and the 19th placed Shakers.
Bury have improved since former Barnsley boss David Flitcroft took charge last month, but will be smarting from the 4-0 defeat they suffered at the hands of promotion favourites Chesterfield.
Aldred insists the Reds can only concentrate on themselves, however, having had concerns over the number of goals they conceded – and manner of them – in their last home game.
After going a goal down, Stanley went on to lead twice only to ship a last minute equaliser in a 3-3 draw with Newport County.
“We scored goals against Newport, although obviously we were disappointed with the goals we conceded. They were just cheap goals,” said Aldred, who has played every minute of every game this season.
“The first one summed it up, it was just a free kick that went through us.
“It’s really frustrating and from a defensive point of view.
“Since I’ve been here we’ve never really conceded that many goals.
“It’s just not part of our DNA, so it’s just really frustrating that we’ve conceded a few goals.
“We’ve looked at that and want to put it right.”
He added: “We didn’t defend badly against Newport but all three goals were really poor from a concentration point of view, like the wall. They are things we can definitely improve on.
“We’ve got a big squad now and it’s important that all the lads are in it together and we can come out of it.
“As soon as we start keeping clean sheets we’ll start getting the points.”
On a personal note, Aldred wants to remain an ever-present this term.
“I’ve played every minute and I want to carry on doing that and impressing,” he said.
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