Knill's quest to reinforce his Torquay squad continues in vain
Torquay United boss Alan Knill lost no time in pointing the way ahead for the Gulls after they ended a seven-match losing streak with Saturday's goalless draw at fellow npower League Two strugglers Accrington Stanley.
"We've got 11 games left, and we'll prepare for every one as if it's a cup final," said Knill.
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Alan Knill
The Gulls' manager – the 'interim' tag was removed at the end of last week, although his current deal only lasts to the end of the season – is determined to strengthen the squad. "We are working really hard – we were still trying to get people in at 7pm on Friday night. We thought we had two or three set up, but at the last minute it didn't happen," he revealed.
"There are several factors – location, the position we're in, and one or two experienced players from League One don't want to drop down to League Two.
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"We're still pushing on several targets, but until they're in the building, with training kit on and their number on the shirt, I won't be sure."
Knill was happy with the Gulls' effort at Accrington. "We were all disappointed on Tuesday night, when we lost at home to Wycombe, because that was a poor performance," he said.
"This was a battling performance, which is what you have to produce when you come to Accrington.
"I thought we started the game really well, and got into lots of good positions without the final ball quite being there.
"It was so important that, if you can't win, don't lose. And it stops that run of defeats, which is also important.
"We are looking a bit more confident, and at times we did pass the ball around well.
"Our goalkeeper made a couple of good saves, but we had chances too, and I thought we should have had a penalty for a foul on Brian Saah.
"It was an even game – I don't either side deserved to lose or did enough to win the game.
"I'm not sure whether it was offside or not, but their disallowed goal may have been the bit of luck which we haven't had recently.
"This has given our supporters a glimmer of hope, and now we need to build on this result."
Accrington manager Leam Richardson was angry at the 'offside' decision which cancelled out what might have been a winning goal for Will Hatfield.
"He wasn't just onside – he was miles onside. The decision isn't even close," said Richardson. "Officials' decisions like that have cost us several times this season, and I would like to hear their explanation when they have seen it again.
"The good thing is a second successive clean-sheet, but we deserved to have won it."
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