Let's seize the moment says Constable (From Herald Series)

Let's seize the moment says Constable

9:30am Friday 15th March 2013 in Sport By David Pritchard, Chief Sports Reporter covering Oxford United. Follow us on twitter: @oxfordmailoufc. Call me on 01865 425458

James Constable says Oxford United cannot afford to hesitate in the pursuit of the play-offs as they attempt to extend a strong run with victory at home to Chesterfield tomorrow.

Confidence in the camp is high after a 95th-minute goal from Mi-chael Raynes earned the U’s a 1-0 win at home to Barnet on Tuesday.

It was their fifth victory in seven games – form second only to Burton Albion in npower League Two.

The run has come just in time to bring United back into the race for the top seven.

But with the fixtures running out and a five-point deficit to make up, Constable knows there is very little margin for error.

He said: “There are eight games and every single one is massive if we want to end up where we want to be.

“Tomorrow is no different to going to Accrington on the final day of the season and all the others in between.

“It’s the same mentality, try and get the three points and if not make sure you get something out of the game.

“We knew with about 12 games to go it was now or never.

“We had to start picking up points and teams around us were doing well.

“You’ve seen with Port Vale, who haven’t won in their last five, it’s important to keep runs going.

“I’m sure they will turn it round, but we just have to keep our run going as long as possible.

“If we can do that for the next eight games then who knows?

“We were 15th or 16th a few games ago and now we’re ninth.

“It can happen and it’s important we make sure we don’t slip up and let other teams do what we’re doing at the minute.”

Constable was more relieved than most by Raynes’s late goal in midweek, which came after he had missed two clear chances in the first half.

The striker, who scored his 12th goal of the season in the 3-1 win at Torquay last weekend, is fired up to put those wasted opportunities behind him against the Spireites.

He said: “The one I put over the bar was one of those you score in training nine times out of ten.

“Something happens out there which you can’t explain.

“But it’s a case of carrying on and working hard, hopefully between now and the end of the season there will be a lot of twists and hopefully a lot more goals from myself and the other lads.”