Jayden Sweeney believes the Mariners have firmly put themselves back in the promotion picture after a week that saw Town record back-to-back victories over two fellow play-off contenders in Sky Bet League Two.

The defender returned to the starting XI for wins against Notts County and Salford City, results that have lifted Town to within touching distance of the play-off places heading into another crucial stage of the campaign.

Reflecting on the past week, Sweeney admits the squad are delighted with the response shown.

“Yeah, delighted,” he said. “Two massive games and two massive results.

“Obviously they were two teams that are in and around us, and I think those two wins have put us well and truly back in the mix.”

For Sweeney, the performances were also an important statement after a disappointing display at Bristol Rovers.

“I think the last two performances have really shown who we are and that we’ve got back to being us,” he explained.

“After the performance at Bristol Rovers, collectively we took responsibility for that. We owed it to the fans to put in a good performance against Notts County and we owed it to ourselves to back it up against Salford.

“So I’m really pleased we were able to do that.”

Belief and Momentum

While the results have strengthened Town’s position in the table, Sweeney insists belief within the squad has never wavered.

“I don’t think we doubted ourselves,” he said. “But sometimes it can be a bit disheartening when you’re looking at the table and you’re 11th or 12th and outside the play-off spots.”

The recent victories, however, have reinforced the confidence within the group.

“I think those two wins have just confirmed again that we can mix it with anyone in this division.

“On our day, we can give anyone a good game.”

With the Sky Bet League Two table remaining incredibly tight, the defender says the focus inside the dressing room is on points rather than positions.

“We’re more focused on our points tally than the actual league position,” he revealed.

“We’ve got a target in terms of points that we want to get to, and we know if we reach that, we’ll be where we want to be.”

Fine margins in a tight league

This season’s League Two campaign has been one of the most competitive in recent years, with the standings capable of shifting dramatically from week to week.

For Sweeney, consistency is the key ingredient for any side with promotion ambitions.

“It’s definitely the tightest league I’ve been involved in,” he said.

“You can pick up two wins and suddenly you’re right back up there, but if you don’t win for a week you can drop a few places as well.

“Consistency is definitely rewarded in this league.”

Town’s current run, just one defeat in their last 13 matches, is evidence of that, and Sweeney believes maintaining that level will be crucial as the season enters its final stretch.

“If we can put together another good run going into the end of the season, we’ll be where we want to be.”

Strength in numbers

Another statistic that highlights the collective nature of Town’s campaign is the number of players contributing goals.

With Jude Soonsup-Bell scoring against Salford, the Mariners now boast 20 different goalscorers across the season.

For Sweeney, it underlines the depth and unity within the squad.

“That’s an incredible stat,” he admitted.

“We’ve got such depth and quality in the squad and I think that’s a big part of why we’ve been successful so far.”

As the season reaches its decisive period, he expects everyone in the group to play their part.

“The gaffer always says we’ll need everyone.

“Whether you’re starting, coming off the bench or even if you’re not in the squad that week, everyone has a role and everyone is required.

“I think we’ve got a real togetherness. When one of your teammates does well, everyone’s happy for them.”

Life beyond football

Away from the pitch, the last few months have brought a huge personal change for Sweeney following the birth of his daughter.

While the experience has been a special one, he admits the adjustment has not been without its challenges.

“If I’m being honest, it’s been difficult,” he said.

“There were some tough days, especially early on, just trying to balance everything.”

The defender credits the support around him, both at home and within the club, for helping him through that period.

“The gaffer, the coaching staff, my teammates and my family have all been brilliant with me,” he explained.

“I feel like in the last week or so I’ve got back to feeling like myself again, which I’m really pleased about.

“It’s been an amazing journey and an amazing blessing, and I’m sure I’ll look back on this period with great fondness.”

One game at a time

With the Mariners now within striking distance of the play-off places, attention quickly turns to the next challenge.

While Sweeney admits it is difficult not to glance at the table, particularly with the automatic promotion places within sight, he insists the squad remain focused on the task directly ahead.

“There are about 12 games left and every one is like a cup final,” he said.

“As a collective, it’s one game at a time, brick by brick. We can’t get ahead of ourselves.”

But with confidence high and momentum building, the defender believes the Mariners are well placed for the run-in.

“We’re just looking to keep this momentum going.”

You can watch Jayden’s full pre-match interview with the club media here:

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