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Killer instinct

Mike Glendinning
26/ 9/2007

MACCLESFIELD manager Ian Brightwell wants his players to add a ruthless edge to their game to avoid becoming the League Two draw-specialists.

Brightwell watched as Macc earned their fifth draw in seven games at Rochdale, and he wants his players to put teams to the sword and turn one-point games into three.

"I’d say I’m pleased with a point," admitted the Macc boss after Kevin McIntyre’s penalty secured a 1-1 draw at Spotland.

"It’s great to not be losing games but we need to start turning these draws into wins.

"I’m happy with the way we’re playing, we just need to get that killer instinct if we’re to be successful this season."

Typically, Brightwell is positive about some aspects of Saturday’s draw, only the second time in six trips to Spotland that the Silkmen have had any reward for their efforts.

"I’m pleased with how the players stuck at their task in what was a scrappy game at a difficult place to go," added Brightwell.

"Jimmy McNulty had a bad start but he didn’t go under. Credit to him, he kept trying to do the right things.

"Despite Rochdale’s start to the season, I think they’ll finish in the top half."

Of his own side’s chances, Brightwell is confident in the abilities and character of the squad he has assembled, one with a greater stomach for a battle than last term’s squad, if Saturday’s clash is any indication.

"I’m pleased with the overall start we’ve had," he said. "But there are always things we can improve on.

"We do seem to be battling better than we did last season, we’ve got more athleticism about the team and players are confident of winning going into games."

Despite suffering a dreadful start, Macc could have snatched all three points in the latter stages, and Brightwell added: "We had a couple of chances towards the end, we looked strong and I was pleased with that because it shows our fitness.

"My players are prepared to go for the full 90-plus minutes for each other and for this football club."