Midfielder confident ahead of Pools clash
Burton Albion midfielder Jimmy Phillips is looking forward to taking on Hartlepool United on Saturday in the first of an Easter double-header.
The Brewers are looking to bounce back following defeat at Northampton, and Phillips is confident ahead of the game.
“The mood has been positive. It was a result we want to put behind us as soon as possible and we’ve worked hard in training over the last few days and working on a few different things to get ready for Saturday’s game,” said Phillips.
The Pools are in poor form with five defeats in a row, but Phillips knows that following last weeks’ loss, nothing can be taken for granted – especially if the Brewers want to achieve their promotion ambitions.
“It can make it a bit tougher, but I always say that anyone can beat anyone. If you don’t have a good game it can go against you, and if you have a good day then things go your way and that happened on Saturday. Northampton were really up for it and went for everything. It’s something we try and do but it just didn’t go our way on Saturday.
“We want keep going for every point, and if Chesterfield slip up we’ll be the first in line to take advantage. We’re fighting against Fleetwood too so we have to keep fighting and keep the pressure on them as they have to keep winning to stay in their position. Hopefully they’ll slip up and we can sneak into the top three, but we have to fight for every point. Even if we end up in the play-offs then we’ll focus on that and do our best there,” Phillips said.
The last home game saw Burton earn a hard fought 1-0 victory against Plymouth Argyle, and the midfielder is predicting similarly scrappy games from now to the end of the season, including Monday’s trip to Newport County.
“It wasn’t the pettiest, but it can get like that towards the end of the season where teams are fighting for promotion or relegation. People can get nervous and games become scrappy, and we’re well aware of what to expect from now until the end of the season.
“Preparation is key for every game, and when you have two games coming so quickly on Saturday and Monday it becomes even more important. We need to get the recovery right and the gaffer may make some changes if he feels it will help us, and he’s best placed to decide on that.”