Shaun Pearson says the Mariners are embracing the challenge ahead as they prepare for a crucial trip to Cambridge United, insisting the focus remains firmly on maintaining performance levels at the business end of the season.

Town head into Tuesday night’s fixture on the back of an impressive 4-1 victory over Gillingham, with momentum building at a key stage of the campaign.

Here’s everything the Assistant Head Coach had to say ahead of the clash…

On building momentum after Saturday

Pearson believes the performance and result against Gillingham has set the tone heading into another big week.

“Yeah, it was obviously great to bounce back from last Tuesday,” he said.

“A really positive performance. In the main, I think there was probably a 10-15 minute spell after half-time where Gillingham, to be fair, got on top.

“But that will happen in most games and you’ve got to get through that, and we did.

“I think we finished the game really well and obviously it’s a fantastic result for us.

“It sets up tomorrow night really nicely and makes it a big game for both teams.”

On Harvey Rodgers’ Team of the Season recognition

Pearson was full of praise for Harvey Rodgers after his inclusion in the Sky Bet League Two Team of the Season.

“He’s been phenomenal really all season,” he said.

“He’s been ultra-consistent, his levels have been really high.

“He’s actually been unfortunate not to have more goal involvements. He’s created a lot of opportunities for the team.

“I think it’s recognition of his work. It goes back to last season really, we thought he performed excellently and that’s fed into this season.

“He’s taken it to another level and fully deserves that recognition.”

On Rodgers’ positional switch

The Assistant Head Coach also reflected on Rodgers’ successful transition to right-back.

“I think he’s got all the attributes to do it naturally,” he explained.

“When we played a back three last season, he often ended up in that position and performed well.

“We spoke about it in the summer and he took it in his stride.

“It’s gone fantastically well, but that’s credit to Harvey and the work he’s put in.”

On attacking output across the squad

With three players now in double figures and goals coming from across the team, Pearson highlighted the collective attacking threat.

“It shows we try to create opportunities from all different positions,” he said.

“We expect goals to be created and scored from all over the pitch.

“It’s really pleasing that people are pitching in from everywhere.

“I think we’ve got a couple more close to double figures for goal involvements, so hopefully we can keep that going.”

On strength in depth

The Mariners’ ability to share goals across the squad has also strengthened their resilience.

“It’s good because it shows if we have injuries, loss of form or suspensions, we’ve got people ready to come in and perform,” he said.

“That’s a really pleasing thing for the staff.”

On Harvey Booth’s development

Pearson also spoke positively about young forward Harvey Booth, who was named in the squad at the weekend.

“He’s impressed really well,” he said.

“He’s very quick, very direct.

“It was nice personally to see his journey from when he came in on trial to where he is now.

“He’s got a lot more to do and improve on, but it shows that if you work hard, you’ll get opportunities.”

On the challenge of Cambridge United

Looking ahead, Pearson expects one of the toughest tests in the division.

“It’s probably as big a test as they come,” he said.

“Their home form is right at the top end.

“When we played them earlier in the season, they made it very difficult for us.

“We look forward to the challenge and hopefully we can put in another positive performance.”

On facing a strong defensive side

Despite Cambridge boasting the league’s best defensive record, Pearson insists Town will stay true to their approach.

“It’s a similar approach from us,” he said.

“We know what we want from the way we attack games.

“When we’re at it, on the front foot and playing with good tempo, we can cause problems for any team.”

On form and pressure at this stage of the season

Pearson believes external form lines matter less as the season reaches its conclusion.

“I don’t think too much of results,” he said.

“At this time of the season, pressure can play a part.

“It’s about how teams handle that, but for us it’s about focusing on ourselves.”

On the play-off race

With just three games remaining, Pearson says the focus is simple.

“Just try and win tomorrow night,” he said.

“I know it sounds cliché, but that’s it for us.

“It’s not about Saturday or beyond, it’s about Cambridge away.

“If we perform well, we give ourselves a great chance.”

On embracing the moment

Pearson believes these are the games everyone wants to be involved in.

“You work hard all season for this,” he said.

“Nobody wants to be mid-table with nothing on the line.

“These are the games you want to play in, and the wins feel even better at this stage.”

On the unpredictability of the run in

Despite shifting momentum in recent weeks, Pearson remains grounded.

“That’s the beauty of football,” he said.

“Everyone thinks they can predict it, but nobody can.

“We focus on ourselves, do our job, and that gives us the best chance.”

With confidence high and momentum building, the Mariners head to Cambridge knowing another strong performance could prove pivotal in the race for the play-offs.

You can watch Shaun Pearson’s full pre-match interview here:

UTM