Boss Hurst calls on front foot start for Boston United in Scunthorpe United rematch
Paul Hurst has called on his players to be on the front foot and take the game to Scunthorpe United when Boston United host their county derby rivals for the second time in two weeks in National League action on Saturday.
Boston halted a run of three defeats and five games without a win on Tuesday night when two late goals from Tom Cursons earned a 2-1 home win over fellow strugglers Gateshead.
But Scunthorpe, who won 3-1 in the recent FA Cup clash with Boston, are also in the drop zone with the Pilgrims and lost 4-1 at Tamworth on Tuesday night.
“It's a strange thing that often haappens where you get drawn against a team in the cup and you have played them in the league just prior or just after,” said Hurst
“It's a huge game, though. Seeing their result tonight they will be feeling they are up against it a little bit.
“We have had a positive result tonight, but they do have the bragging rights from the cup.
“We have to bring an energy to it.
“I didn't think there was loads in the first game.
“By them getting 2-0 up it allowed them to sit off in that second half and we had to push.
“We have to try to force the issue a bit earlier than that on Saturday.
“We have to bring an energy to get the crowd involved, which I know isn't easy for them as it's been difficult for everyone to drag themselves out as the weather is getting colder on a Tuesday night to keep supporting the team.
“But we do have a lot of good fans who will be there no matter what is happening because it's their football club.”
Hurst added: “We won't be getting carried away by one win and there are a lot of things we have to improve on.
“We will see how important tonight was in the weeks to come.
“But in the last two games I have seen positive signs.
“We just have to be willing to be braver on the ball and be willing to run forwards and play forwards.
“Maybe some of the lads think they're better players when they are doing fancy things.
“But, no. The game will open up and you will be able to do things when you are on the front foot.”
The home crowd were getting restless and booed their side off when trailing 1-0 at the break against Gateshead.
“People can shout at me all day long. It genuinely doesn't bother me,” smiled Hurst.
“I prefer it if it's nice things. But I am experienced enough and have a thick enough skin as I have had it from being a very small, diminutive, vertically challenged left back who was told I would not have a career from a very early age. You have to fight and respond.
“Some of these players have been going through some of those things and still may. It build resilience and you have got to try to come through the other side of it.”