A Robin On The Robins

“They’re a very good technical side with some good players and obviously they're on a good run of form too!” Greg Pearson, Defender.

Before the huge clash with Ilkeston FC this weekend, a ‘dual-Robin’ spoke to the website about his current sides chances of beating his former side.

Ashton United left-back, Greg Pearson played at the New Manor Ground between 2012 and 2013, before moving to Hurst Cross and nearly helping Paul Phillips and Steve Halford’s team gain promotion to the Conference North in his first year in Tameside.

Having figured 26 times for Ashton United this season, the versatile defender is delighted with his sides current run of four straight victories. Hoping the wins keep coming and the confidence in the team keeps growing;

“Everyone is obviously extremely pleased with the back to back wins in recent weeks. We are full of confidence going into the next match against Ilkeston FC. At the same time, there's still a long way to go until the end of the season so we can't get caught up in the excitement of winning four in a row. We need to press on, keep working hard, and winning."

"It’s definitely more enjoyable when everyone is full of confidence and working hard together. That's the basis of our team.”

Pearson went on to say; “There's not one person that doesn't work as hard as they can each match and I think that shows every time we play. Everyone is in it together.”

Pearson knows all about the strengths and weaknesses of the Derbyshire based side and despite praising his former side’s ability, he believes Ashton shouldn’t go into the game with any fear against the divisions second placed side;

“I would say Ilkeston will be a very tough match, yes, they’re a very good technical side with some good players and obviously they're on a good run of form too. Like I said earlier, our work ethic on the pitch has to be the best in the league, and alongside our technical ability we don't have a problem.”

Being part of a solid and consistent defence that has stayed relatively unchanged in 2015, Pearson has claimed a clean sheet is crucial against the league’s top scorers, saying whichever defence is picked on the day, will stand up to the test of Duffy, Richards and co;

“I think the defence is very strong at the moment. I don't think it's been weak at any point this season. We have a number of defenders in the squad who have been rotated throughout the season so far and I think we have all done a great job.”

Pearson was and un-used substitute during the play-off semi-final win against FC United last season and was involved from the bench during the play-off final defeat to AFC Fylde.

Eleven of the sixteen members of the play-off squad still remains at Hurst Cross and the 22 year-old defender believes previous heart break will spur on the team to promotion this year; “Everyone was obviously extremely disappointed after the play-offs last year, and I think that just cements that eagerness in everyone to get promoted this year. You can see it in every match, through our hard work and determination. Everyone is ready to get promoted this year.”