Goal hero Michael Collins has told htafc.com that his own and the team's recent impressive form is just the start of things to come.
The 22-year old Academy graduate netted his 6th goal of the campaign to set Town on their way to a 2-1 win over Swindon at the Galpharm Stadium today and admitted that he was delighted with the performance, despite the visitors grabbing a late consolation.
"We conceded in the last five minutes and the Gaffer had a little bit of a go at us over that, because the higher up we go the more we will get punished. Overall though, it was a pleasing performance," Collins admitted.
Michael, pictured right with Phil Jevons, played with his right hand in a lightweight cast today after fracturing a bone during last weekend's 1-1 draw at Northampton Town.
"I don't think me playing was ever in question in terms of my hand. I fell on it with twenty minutes of last weekend's game at Northampton to go and I instantly knew it was quite bad, so I went for an x-ray immediately after the game and it showed up as a fracture. However, there was no way that a hand injury would keep me out of a game.
"I felt like last weekend's equaliser was kind of mine and Robbo's fault as we should have kept the ball in the corner and I took responsibility for that, so it was nice to get out on the pitch today and score a goal that helped us pick up three massive points.
"It is nice to be bagging a few now. It's a little bit of a reward for me after a well documented tough start to the season - I kept working hard and now I am getting my rewards now, as are the team."
Despite becoming one of the most potent attack-minded central midfielders in League One since breaking back into the team under Caretaker boss Gerry Murphy, Collins sent out a warning to Town's promotion rivals that there is plenty more to come from him.
"I still don't think I am anywhere near the level that I could play at, but I am starting to lay the foundations in order to get into really good form and I am hoping that I really pick up between now and the end of the season. I feel like the Club could have a really good finish to the season."
Collins attributed Town's recent impressive form to the new management team of Lee Clark, Terry McDermott, Derek Fazackerley and Steve Black.
"Blackie said today that the reserve friendly over at Blackburn was probably the most inspiring performance he has seen.A lot of the time, reserve games are a little sloppy but every one of our lads was on the ball as they are all fighting to get in the first-team. That is because the manager has pulled everyone together - from the young lads right the way through, we are all pulling in the same direction hereand that is creating a real 'feel good factor' around the Club."
Next up for Mickey and his teammates is a tough trip to League leaders Leicester - a prospect that he is relishing.
"It would be nice to keep our unbeaten run going at Leicester next weekend - that will be the aim. Realistically, we will be going down to Leicester and looking to come away with a result before the trip to Yeovil. Away games are always difficult but we seem to have picked up our home form, which has been a bit of an Achilles heel for us over the recent seasons.
"We are going down to Leicester with a lot to prove. We think we are just as good as them, so we will aim to go down there and dominate the game - really take it to them. Hopefully we will get the right result."
