McNish backs Town to turn things around (From Basingstoke Gazette)

McNish backs Town to turn things around

1:00pm Friday 19th October 2012 in Football By John Boyman

CALLUM McNish says Basingstoke Town must show their nasty side if they are to get their season back on track.

The Camrose club have won just one of their last six Blue Square Bet South outings, a run that has seen them drop to 15th in the table.

They have played some good football during that time - but McNish admits that playing well counts for nothing if they fail to claim three points.

“We have been the better team in the last two or three games but sometimes playing pretty football does not win games,” he said. “We have maybe got to be a little bit more nasty and finish off our chances but I believe we are close to going on a run and getting some good results.

“Nobody is giving up or throwing the towel in. Losing is hard but we will bounce back because there is a lot of character in that dressing room.”

Having reached the play-offs last season, the pressure is on Town to repeat the trick this time around - and while they have not made a great start, McNish believes that is still possible.

“We are in a false position at the moment,” he said. “It's tough because things have gone against us in the last few weeks but I am sure that will change.

“It's still early and we can get up the table. The spirit in the dressing room is brilliant and I just hope we can turn it around and go on a run.”

McNish began his career at Southampton before moving on to Exeter. He began this season at Braintree but joined Basingstoke on non-contract terms last month.

“I knew Kevin Braybrook from my time at Southampton so I decided to give it a go here,” the 20-year-old said. “Jason and Kevin have been very good and I have fitted in well.

“I feel there is more to come from me but I am happy. I have found my feet now and am getting fitter and stronger.

“I am non-contract at the moment but I leave that in the hands of people who deal with those sorts of things. I just want to concentrate on going out and playing football.”

Against Havant last week, McNish was guilty of missing a golden chance when he failed to convert Delano Sam-Yorke's low centre from close range.

“Delano fizzed the ball across the goal and it kind of went through me,” the midfielder added. “On another day I would have scored.

“It was disappointing. We were 1-0 up and gifted them two goals but that is not our normal game and I'm sure we'll bounce back.”

Next up for Town is a trip to Weston super Mare on Saturday - and McNish says his side need to win.

“It's a long trip down there but it's a game we have got to win,” he said. “We have been playing well and getting beaten, when we should be scoring three or four goals. We have to turn that around.”