FROM a personal point of view it was good to be back on Tuesday night against Salisbury – it's just a pity about the result.

The gaffer decided to makes some changes for the game from the side that played Mansfield Town.

I guess that was partly with one eye on the FA Trophy game, also against Salisbury.

It meant he could keep his cards close to his chest for that tie but also it gave one or two lads a rest.

The side we put out was still a strong one and we would have expected to go there and get a result.

Unfortunately, we started badly and gave away an early goal from a corner.

It's been a disappointing couple of games in terms of our defensive work.

We have given away a few sloppy goals against Mansfield and Salisbury and we need to work hard to get back to defending in the manner which has earned us so many clean sheets.

I felt as the game progressed on Tuesday night, we began to settle and could have got something out it but overall it was disappointing.

From a personal point of view, it was good to be back. I've missed playing.

Having not played much recently, and with no reserves, you wonder how you will cope with a full match.

I have worked hard in training and during the week but there's nothing like a match to test your fitness.

And I felt I proved a point to myself.

Some of the lads will no doubt come back in on Saturday but I think it was good for a few other players to get 90 minutes under their belts.

We have a busy time coming up with a game against Kettering, at home, in the league on Tuesday night as well.

Then we have a period of Saturday, Tuesday fixtures and it will be important for everyone in the squad to be up to match fitness and ready to be called upon.

We obviously have Wrighty (Nick Wright) out long term but Rodders (Alex Rodman) should be back in training this week and then we will be pretty much up to full strength.

As for this weekend, it's a big one for us. The FA Trophy is a great competition and the last eight is the furthest I have ever been.

This is a great opportunity for us to get to Wembley.

For me personally, it is more than likely my last chance as a player to reach a major final and we will be doing everything we can to stay on course.