County central midfielder Hamza Bencherif spoke to the Nottingham Post ahead of his side's League One game against Carlisle tomorrow afternoon, Bencherif happy with the way the Magpies have been defending recently :
“I think we've looked really strong in the last few games. All we need to win is one goal because we have defended really well. All three of them were hard games too. It's hard to go away and win at Rochdale. We're doing well and we're on a bit of a run now. We need to keep it up. We're all looking upwards. We really want to keep progressing and play better, better and better. We're looking strong and if we keep progressing from here we've got a really good chance to go for promotion.
"Basically, the staff have told us to play, play, play, get the ball out wide and put it in so that is what we're trying to do. We got loads of crosses in at Rochdale and the goal we scored summed it up. The delivery from Julian Kelly was really good and it was a great feeling to score my second goal. The gaffer (Keith Curle) wants us to play free-flowing, attacking football and we're looking good.
“I don't think we could have done any better in his first three games. Even if we won 3-2 or 3-1, I don't think it would feel as good as winning 1-0. We've had different players in all three games and everyone has stepped up and done a good job. It shows the character and ability we have in the team. When you have a good squad, full of quality players, that is when you can push for promotion. Really, we're looking forward to the rest of the season now and excited about what we could achieve.
"I think we're going to surprise a few people. The way we are going now we will take on anybody. The next few games are so important. Tomorrow is like a final and I think we can do really well. It's always better to be chasing and trying to get back into it because teams up there start to look over their shoulders and start to feel uncomfortable. There is only one spot and there are four or five teams going for it.
"All we need to do is keep a steady pace to try to get in there towards the end. We don't want to get there too early and be under pressure. I think we're better when we fight for something than when we're trying to defend something. Going after it like we are is a better position for us. We're not scared of anyone, I really don't think anyone can worry us. Carlisle are a really good team, they are on a good run, but I'm really confident we can do well against them and all the other teams we play before the end of the season."