Massive week for Magpies (02.03.06)

THE result of the next two matches for the Magpies could indelibly shape their season – for better or for worse.
Tomorrow (Saturday) they play host to Carshalton who, alongside the Magpies and Newport County, have formed an unholy trinity at the foot of Conference South for most of the season.
Ironically both the Magpies and their visitors from Surrey are two of the in-form teams at present, a fact that York Road supremo Carl Taylor is well aware of, saying: “It will be a hell of a game and there shouldn’t be much in it.
“Carshalton have been getting a lot of 1-0 wins, with goals coming late, so we know they won’t give up. Both teams are playing well and looking to catch teams like Weston and Eastbourne above them. It’s a big game.”
Taylor will be hoping his team can continue their recent form, and especially the confidence they will have taken from an excellent 2-0 victory at Yeading on Saturday.
Taylor said “It was the best performance of season. We were very controlled.
“We’re a good side and proved that on the day. We looked like a top six side which is promising for next season.
“It was the seventh match in a row in which we have not conceded in first half. A decent side will go on from there and get a result 90per cent of the time.
“I also put my head on the chopping block with some of the player changes I made. I’m pleased for the team they worked.
“I suppose leaving out striker Stephen Hughes was the decision which raised the most eye-brows, but he has only scored once on the road this season and needed a break prior to this week.”
He added: “It’s all about finding the winning formula. You can change a winning team, just not the formula.
“We have a good enough squad to deal with changes.”
There are likely to be more tactical manoeuvrings ahead of Tuesday’s home encounter with Bognor Regis, another side looking over their shoulders at the drop zone.
There are also more personal reasons why Taylor wants to beat Bognor, after having been crushed by them 8-1 in November.
Taylor said: “They are going to have to be brilliant on the night to beat us. After that freak result down at their place, I want to beat Bognor more than I do Carshalton.
“It’s a massive match and will show how far we have come.”
Certainly Taylor believes the club, fans and players now have a new sense of confidence after various promising results
“I’m pleased for the fans. It gives them something to get their teeth into, while matches at this time are year are exciting for the players as well.
“The fear factor drives us on.”
The only player doubts for Taylor are keeper Scott Tarr, who has a virus, and Dean Bradshaw, who has pIcked up a groin injury.