Sinnott calls for renewed drive (From Messenger Newspapers)

Sinnott calls for renewed drive

11:35am Wednesday 20th February 2013 in Sport

LEE Sinnott called on his Altrincham players to hold their nerve and refocus for another promotion push after a second successive away defeat effectively cost them their place in the Blue Square Bet North play-off zone.

After slumping to a disappointing defeat at Histon last week, Alty were pipped by a late winner for Workington on Saturday.

With FC Halifax and Gainsborough both taking full advantage with wins on Tuesday night, it meant Alty go into Saturday’s home game against Colwyn Bay in sixth position.

"It is frustrating, but when we had a dip like this in October, we soon put together a run of good form," said Alty boss Sinnott.

"It is important now that we do the same once more by refocusing and going again. There are still 16 games left, don’t forget, and there are going to be plenty of twists and turns.

"We have to concentrate on ourselves and make sure we are at it against Colwyn Bay. Never mind their league position, I saw them draw at Guiseley on Tuesday night, and they looked a hard-working side who play 4-4-2 and keep their shape well. My philosophy has always been that anything can happen on any given day. You cannot take anything for granted, and we will have to apply ourselves."

Alty could be bolstered by a new signing, believed to be Chester striker Ben Mills, who scored the opening two goals in the runaway leaders’ 4-2 win at Moss Lane in August. With the deal still to be completed, Sinnott remained guarded, saying: "We are trying to bring someone in before the weekend."

Alty are also having to contend with interest in their own free-scoring frontrunner Duncan Watmore, with Peterborough manager Darren Ferguson monitoring his progress.

"Myself and the chairman (Grahame Rowley) have had little conversations with Duncan and his dad Ian, but we are very mindful that we don’t want the situation to snowball," added Sinnott.

"What will be will be, and I am glad to say Duncan remains a very level-headed lad who is having no difficulty concentrating fully on our remaining games.

"There is a lot to come into the melting pot, with his university studies, and if anything were to happen, it would have to suit his circumstances. You can’t do anything about speculation, but I don’t want Duncan batted from pillar to post with all this."