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Search forWe have to pick ourselves up – Allen
Tuesday, November 18, 2008, 08:00
The Robins travel to Oldham Athletic for tonight's FA Cup first round replay at Boundary Park, with a round two visit to League Two club Morecambe and £20,000 in prize money at stake.
They will still have sour tastes in their mouths after the 3-0 derby defeat at Edgar Street three days ago and Allen said the trip north would provide his players with a major test of character.
"We have been punched in the face and knocked 'sparko', but we have to get up and get going again," Allen said.
"Mentally, everyone who was on the bus to Hereford is injured, upset and disappointed – we were all hurt.
"But I am pleased there is a game tonight and I can't wait for it to start because I want to get these players playing well, smiling and giving the supporters a team to be proud of."
Allen conducted his post-match review in a lay-by on the team bus somewhere between Hereford and Cheltenham on Saturday evening.
He admitted that earlier on his managerial career 'all hell would have broken loose', but he is making a concerted effort to go about things more constructively.
"While I was out of the game I learned about dealing with ups and downs and managing in a more calm and thoughtful manner," he said. "I certainly didn't pull any punches, but it was done calmly, in the right manner, and if you let your emotions take over, you end up going 15 rounds with most of them.
"I can't afford to get into that situation and I have to try and help and improve them.
"Of course, I still have to tell home truths, but early on all hell could have been let loose, which is probably what the fans wanted, like I did. But I have to keep the rage under wraps because, quite often, fewer, quieter words can be more effective."
Allen was planning on taking his squad for a day at the Cheltenham races on Sunday, but the outing was cancelled as preparations for tonight's tie took over.
He also refused to allow any of his squad to speak to the press, preferring them to let their feet do the talking on the pitch.
Allen is expected to make up to five changes to the side that were well beaten at Hereford, with Scott P A Brown set to replace Shane Higgs in goal and Ashley Vincent, Damian Spencer and Lee Ridley all pushing for starting berths.
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