Let’s hope that the win against leaders Shrewsbury last Saturday will kickstart our season.

Leading up to the game, I could sense a different atmosphere around the dressing room, as it changed during the week.

Going in on Monday morning after a poor defeat against Bury, morale was low.

Then we had every player’s nightmare, having to watch the DVD during which a few home truths came out.

It was all done in a positive way, though, and we identified mistakes that were made, so we can do our best to cut them out in future.

It’s important to clear the air sometimes because we all want to be the best we can – and this season the best we can be is to win promotion.

After getting everything off our chests, we had a chance to take our frustrations out further during the paintballing (all in good spirits, of course) and by Friday, the dressing room was really rocking.

There was a real togetherness during the Shrewsbury game and it was a proper workmanlike performance against a side who had started the season well.

The gameplan was to press whenever possible, making it hard for them to settle.

We maybe played a little more direct at times than we have done in previous games but with Bayo up front – who will hold the ball up all day for us – and Cody who will run into channels, this league is all about playing to your strengths and not always about pretty football. We have a squad of players who can do both and finally got a bit of luck in front of goal with the ball falling nicely to Chris Palmer for the first goal.

We limited Shrewsbury to a few chances, so a lot of credit should go to our back four and goalkeeper who kept a clean sheet after conceding five last week.

It was nice to get the second goal again through Palms, who has been in great form in front of goal this year.

Before the game the manager was looking for a reaction from certain players and I was one of them. I saw it as an extra incentive and challenge to prove not just to the manager but myself that I can get back playing how I know I can.

Every player put in a strong performance and gave the reaction the manager was looking for.

We now find ourselves just seven points off top spot – it’s strange how different a league table can look after a win.

This weekend, though, we have another long away trip to Bradford who I fancied to certainly be challenging for promotion this year.

With Peter Taylor in charge, you expect them to start climbing up the table.

It’s going to be another tough game but if we can start how we did last Saturday and frustrate their players and crowd, we will force them into mistakes and be ready to take advantage.

Finally, I must mention Stefan Payne’s new hairstyle complete with go-faster stripe.

I didn’t realise it was Comic Relief already!