Sean McConville says it’s too early to say if it’s been a good or bad start to the season for Accrington Stanley – but knows a win at Wycombe Wanderers tonight will be a step towards the former.
The season is only seven games in with the Reds in 19th place with seven points – having won one and drawn four of their first five league encounters but have since suffered back-to-back defeats.
The last one, at Forest Green Rovers last Tuesday, was hard to take as the Reds had 17 shots on goal but lost 2-1.
“Looking back at the game, we should have got something out of it,” said the Reds winger.
“There were fine margins in both boxes but we have to lick our wounds and try and win tonight.
“We started the season unbeaten and probably could have had a couple more wins but obviously since then we have had two defeats on the run.
“Seven points from seven games isn’t a great start but if you win Tuesday-Saturday, everyone will look at you and say you have had a great start.
“We are still at that point of the season where you can’t judge a team.
“If you go 12, 13, 14 games in, the table starts mellowing out and places in the table start to take shape and that’s what we look at. At this early stage, I know it’s a cliché, but we just focus on the next game.
“We always said September was going to be a big month as the Saturday-Tuesdays come thick and fast.
“It is intense, you play, recover, analyse your own game and watch videos with the lads and then go again.
“Once we come out of the period of this month, we will be in a position to say ‘we have had a poor start’ or ‘we have had a good start’. Seven games is far too early to measure any team.”
McConville admits the injuries to hit Michael Nottingham and Jay Rich-Baghuelou has hindered the Reds so far.
“I would say defensive injuries have killed us more than the offensive ones. Michael Nottingham and Jay Rich are two massive players, those that have come in have done really well but if you were to say at the start of the season who would be your centre halves, you are looking at Michael and Jay. They are two big players and they are absolute giants who can help you in set-plays as well. Michael has a lot of experience as well and that’s a big miss.
“But players have got to step up. We have to keep more clean sheets, work the opposition goalie more and start hitting the target with shots on their goal.”
The full pre-match interview with Sean McConville is available to watch on the club's official YouTube channel, CLICK HERE to find out more!