Up for the fight

JOHN SHERIDAN . . . the Athletic boss has praised the spirit in the camp

A STRONG-WILLED group of players will fight and scrap every inch in the last eight fixtures of the season.

That's the promise given by boss John Sheridan ahead of a testing run-in.

Sheridan's re-arrival has brought with it seven wins from 14 outings, with an additional three draws.

Maintaining that level of return would bring about between 13 and 14 points between now and the end of a campaign which finishes at AFC Wimbledon on Sunday, April 30.

Sheridan believes he has a dressing room full of the right sort of characters for the challenge ahead.

BOOSTED

And it's no surprise that the run of vital victories has boosted the confidence of a squad that had only won three times in Sky Bet League One in 24 fixtures.

"They are a good group and there is not a doubt about it - even in the games we have lost, we are always fighting to get something form the game," said Sheridan, whose side saw off in-form Oxford in midweek thanks to two goals from Lee Erwin.

"We all know the importance of staying in this division. They lads all get on well with each other and you can see the spirit is there.

"It is a good sign. And they are going out believing they can win games as well, which is probably the first time this season they have had that feeling.

"That's really good for the manager because if the players are feeling like that, then you are going out with a head start.

'TERRIFIC'

"But there are a lot of games left and it's going to be a scrap.

"We do play good football when we have to. A lot of people will have looked at us and at Oxford's terrific away record and not fancy us.

"But we came up trumps again."

Sheridan has not been afraid to make changes recently and may do the same for Peterborough on Saturday.

"I won't be frightened to do it," he said.

"We have had two tough games and Peterborough pass the ball around and can be one of the best teams in the division.

"We know what we have to go and do. A couple of fresh legs in there will make us sharper and I'm not frightened to do it.

"Luckily for me, touch wood, the decisions I am making are going more our way at the moment."