Magpies boss Andy Preece thrilled by team’s response to adversity

​​The Magpies suffered 2-1 defeats in their opening couple of games – albeit to pre-season title favourites South Shields and promotion contenders Chester.

However, since then they have gone on a four-match unbeaten run, displaying different attributes.

A a comprehensive 2-0 win at Marine was followed by a 2-1 comeback victory over Scarborough Athletic at Victory Park.

On Saturday at Merthyr Town, the Magpies were forced to defend for long periods, but were dangerous on the counter – eventually having to settle for a point after leading for most of the game.

Most recently, on bank holiday Monday, they had to show plenty of grit and determination to recover from 2-0 down to earn a draw.

Preece said: “After losing the first two games, you can get a little bit worried, but obviously we played South Shields and Chester who are two of the top teams in the league

“We played really well in both of those games so we still had the confidence going into the next game.

“But you’ve still got to go and get results and turn performances into points.

“Fortunately, we have done that and looked stronger as squad as we have gone on.”

With a symmetrical record of won two, lost two and drawn two, the Magpies find themselves exactly mid-table and face a tough assignment this afternoon.

They travel to Oxford City, who currently sit in third spot in the table having collected 13 points from a possible 18.

“I’ve said about Oxford for a couple of years now,” said Preece. “I think they are a very good team and over the past year they have gone full-time.

“They have signed Tyrone Marsh who has scored a lot of goals for his previous club Bedford. It is not unexpected to see them up there.”