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PLEASED WITH HIS FORM: Kyle Critchell

WEYMOUTH defender Kyle Critchell believes "strength in depth" has been the key to the club's recent revival in the Blue Square Premier.

The Terras have lost just one out of their last six games in which they have beaten the likes of Stevenage Borough and Exeter City, and the 21-year-old is confident that upturn in fortunes can continue.

The club's fans will certainly be hoping that Critchell's optimism is not misplaced today at Throstle Nest where the Terras will take on fourth-bottom Farsley Celtic in a relegation six-pointer.

The Little Celts are just three points behind John Hollins' men, who lie in 18th spot.

Critchell said: "There is no doubt that things have been looking better lately. In the game at home against Exeter on Monday we looked like the side we should be at the Wessex Stadium and that is very encouraging because on our travels we have done quite well all season.

"In the last six games we have done the business, losing just one, but there are bigger games ahead including today's at Farsley so it is important we keep up the same standard and carry on working as hard as we can.

"Confidence is a huge factor in football and the great thing is that not only are we playing some good football but we are also grinding out results when we do not play so well.

"This afternoon's game is going to be very tough and we know we have got to be looking to take the three points but we are also aware that as long as we do not lose we will still be in a strong position.

"There are 24 points still to play for and we will be looking to win every game. We have beaten the likes of Exeter and Stevenage in recent weeks and that proves we have the quality to do that."

Loan players Stephen Henderson, Chris Blackburn, Matthew Bailey and Tony Bedeau have been key components for the Terras over the last few weeks and Critchell has praised Hollins for bringing them in.

Cambridge United midfielder Mark Convery has also been added to the squad on loan terms this week and will be in the squad this afternoon.

Critchell said: "The loan players have been superb but for me Chris has been the one that has really stood out. He is a leader and with me being a young lad he steadies me and looks after me.

"When loan players come in sometimes you are not sure what you are going to get but all the ones the manager has brought in have on the whole been fantastic and he deserves great credit for that.

"During the course of the season we have lost a few key players to injuries, and at times we have not had the same type of players to bring in. But now the squad is good enough to cover and young lads like myself, Scott Doe and James Coutts are benefiting from having more experienced players around us.

"You only have to look at the way Michael Malcolm came in and performed against Exeter to see the strength in depth we now have."

Critchell has also been pleased with his own performances of late. He added: "I had a little spell where I got injured but recently I have been playing games and been really enjoying it, whether it has been at left back, right back or wherever. I am just happy to be in the side and doing my bit to help the club stay up and progress.

"I particularly enjoyed it against Exeter because it was me and Couttsy down the left. We are both local lads who are close friends and I thought we worked in tandem well.

"Couttsy has worked extremely hard to win his place back and now he has got his chance he is really showing just what he can do."

8:04am Saturday 29th March 2008

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