Robins striker: Nothing is impossible
1:39pm Friday 13th January 2012 in Carshalton By Stuart Amos
Carshalton Athletic are in a no lose situation in the FA Trophy on Saturday providing the game re-ignites their league campaign, according to striker Paul Vines.
Boss Paul Dipre’s men are without a win in six Ryman Premier League encounters since a 2-1 victory over Horsham and go to Blue Square Premier Lincoln City in the Trophy’s second round as massive underdogs.
The Robins’ expensively assembled squad has stuttered in the league but Vines insisted they can put that to one side and use the game as a launchpad for a play-off challenge in 2012.
“Usually, you only get three or four players in to a club during the summer, but we’ve had about 10 and it has taken a little while to gel,” he said.
“Individually and collectively we need to find consistency and that is the trick to get our league campaign on track.
“The cup hasn’t been a distraction for me because the league is what it is all about. We all want something to play for and it is no good being in the bottom half of the table.
“We are underdogs, but nothing is impossible.
“Individuals raise their game by 10 per cent for these games, which collectively can make a huge difference.
“Win or lose this could kick-start our season.”
The furthest – physically and metaphysically – Vines has been in an FA knock-out competition is an FA Cup first round appearance at Stockport County, during his spell at Tooting & Mitcham.
The Terrors were humbled 5-0 that day in Lancashire and, with the Robins making the 308-mile round trip to the Imps on game day, the Carshalton striker would not recommend a repeat performance.
“We need to give a good account of ourselves, so we can come away with our heads held high,” he added.
“It is going to be a long day because of the travel. It is a long way to go, but we’ll be able to enjoy a few beers on the way back – hopefully for the right reasons this time.”
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