MARK Cooper emphasised the Terras’ need to “win ugly” in a bid to achieve their goal of promotion this term.

The former Bristol Rovers man, who is set to travel with the side to Leamington in Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division action this afternoon (3pm), also believes the depth in the club’s squad will play a big part in what is a lengthy campaign.

Speaking to Echosport about the Terras’ aims, the full-back said: “Everyone is desperate to get out of this league but nobody more than Jase (Matthews, player-manager). That is the aim and that is where everyone is on the same page.

“We are confident in our ability, it’s just a matter of transferring that on to match days."

He added: “You can’t expect to play pretty football every game and expect to win. You have to be able to do the dirty, ugly side, where you have to be resilient.

“Last year we didn’t really ever win ugly but, if you look at the Dorchester game this year, we didn’t really play well but we ground out a result.

“We didn’t really do that too many times last year and that’s something that is vital in this league.”

Cooper, now in his second year with the club having made the switch from Frome Town, has been part of a Terras’ back four which has welcomed the experience of centre-half Stephane Zubar in recent weeks.

And he insists the former Cherries’ man has had a big impact since his arrival.

He added: “You can see the reason why he has played at a high level in his career.

“He oozes class and fair play for Jase for getting him. I don’t know how long we have got him but long may it continue.

“He is similar to Pat (Baldwin) last year in that he brings that experience.”

Talking about the side as a whole, Cooper claimed: “Last year we had a good squad but this year there is more squad depth I think.

“Fair play to Jase, he has brought in some quality additions and everyone is fighting for places.”