James Beattie wants his players to continue their improvements this weekend with another positive league result away at Scunthorpe United.

Last weekend’s 1-0 FA Cup loss to Tranmere was a first defeat in six games for the Reds and with his side just two points from climbing out of the League Two relegation places, the manager is upbeat.

“I’m happy at the moment because we’re ticking along nicely and we’ve progressed hugely from where we were a few weeks ago,” he explained. “I’m looking forward to the game as I always do. We’ve given the players all the information that they need and hopefully Saturday will bring us the result that everybody wants.

“The next game is always your biggest test but I have confidence in the lads. I can’t wait for kick off to be honest. Scunthorpe is a place that I’ve been to as a player, I know that it’s a very hard place to go and I’ve not enjoyed the best results there to be honest. I’ve got every confidence that my players can go there and get a result though.”

The Reds put in a good performance against Ronnie Moore’s Rovers a week ago and Beattie believes that is an encouraging sign.

“I said to them before the game on Saturday that there’s a quiet confidence about them,” he said. “They know how to win games now and we’re on a decent run in the league. Last weekend was a good break from the league and even though the result wasn’t the best I think that’s probably the best that we have played this season. The lads need to carry that on and bring that into this weekend’s game.

“I believe that this can be the beginning of something very special. The players are starting to believe in themselves as I believe in them, we’re on a good run and we have to stay focused, keep our concentration and play well.”