htafc.com caught up with Andy Ritchie before Town's tough home fixture against high flying Leyton Orient on Saturday, with the Terriers looking to make it 5 wins on the bounce for November.
"Hopefully we will have the same amount of fit players that we had against Swansea. We got a great result down there and it would be nice to keep the same players. We have a few little niggles; Danny Schofield's back is a little tight which is affecting his hamstrings, but he trained today and we will have to assess him again tomorrow. Andy Booth's back is a little bit stiff again, so we will have to monitor that over the next couple of days.
"Both Jon Worthington and Robbie Williams have both trained and played a game early on in the week against Salford College and both came through ok. Jon got an hour before we came off and generally was just tired after upping his training regime and playing games. We didn't want to take any chances with him as he has been out for a while, and he had a few aches and pains. Robbie got another 90 minutes under his belt and Lucas Atkins was also involved and it was good to give him the whole game as he has had some problems with his ankle. Tom Clarke also got a full 90 minutes, which was just like a training session for him but in a game environment. Those four players came through and is a big boost for us. Robbie, Jon and Tom will need more games under their belt before they are ready for the first team, but it's good to get them working and playing games.
"It would be super to continue our recent run of wins; we are very pleased with how things are going at the moment. It's been a lot of hard work from the players and the coaching staff and everyone involved over the last few weeks, but we have got to keep our feet on the ground and hopefully continue that run. It is going to be a very difficult game against an Orient side that are sitting second in the table and that must be full of confidence. They must go into every game thinking they're going to get something out of it and we want to have that feeling; we have sort of got it, but you need to be on a bit longer of a run before you become that confident. The players definitely won't be taking anything for granted and will go out and give it their best.
"Last year when Orient came here they had let a lot of players go and a lot a young players played, so people expecting the same kind of result will be disappointed. Martin Ling has brought a lot of new players in, a lot of experience. When you look at their team, they still have youngsters but they now have a nice blend of experienced players too. They have started really well and maintained it, so I'm not surprised they're near the top. We are expecting them to come here looking for a win, but it's up to us to stop them.
"It's no coincidence that the recent run of good performances is linked to the consistency of the team and the 16 I can pick week in, week out. I've said all year that is the key, and so far we've not really had that until this last couple of weeks. The back line was a problem at the beginning of the season with David Mirfin and Frank Sinclair both out, but now that is settled. The players have been excellent over the last few weeks and I hope it can continue for a while at least.
"Ronnie (Wallwork) has extended his loan up until 29th December, which is 93 days from his original signing. Then hopefully we will be able to extend it until maybe the end of the season. We will be in discussions with West Brom over it and so far they've been ok with Ronnie staying here, so it will be definitely something we will be looking into. He has done exceptionally well and his experience on the field has been a huge benefit to the team. To have him here when Worthy is getting fit will make us much stronger. He is happy to stay here and he has brought something to the side that we were lacking.
"Lucas Akins has gone on loan to Northwich Victoria, initially on a month's loan. Deano (Northwich manager) called me yesterday, after which I spoke to Lucas and he seemed really keen on the move. The Conference is a really good league and he'll be up against some really good players. It's another step in his footballing education and a step up from the reserves and its good he has managed to go there. Hopefully Lucas will add a little strength and energy to their squad and maybe bag a few goals. We'll have to see how it goes, if he doesn't like it then he came come back here next month, but I'm sure he'll love it there, and hopefully it'll toughen him up and give him some experience."
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