DEFENDER Robbie Williams is hoping to dark days are now behind Accrington Stanley and they can start climbing the League Two table.
Williams was arguably the Man of the Match with a commanding performance in the 2-1 win at Barnet on Saturday which gave the Reds a three point breathing space between them and the bottom two.
And now, with players coming back from injury and fighting for places, he hopes Stanley can kick on against two in-form teams - promotion-chasing Stockport at home tomorrow (Sat) and at Darlington on Tuesday night.
"I personally believe the worst is now over," said Williams, who has only missed one league game this season.
"It is strange for me as I have been here seven years and we have only had success. I am not used to losing and it has been horrible. You go through a whole different set of emotions and it is hard to explain.
"It becomes hard work going into training and nothing seems as enjoyable and everyone's confidence is down.
"And the fear of dropping into the bottom two plays at the back of your mind and you do start to get a bit edgy in games.
"When we went through those 10 league games without a win just nothing seemed to go right for us.
"We conceded stupid goals, made mistakes at the back and everything was going against us.
"But that spell coincided with losing a lot of players with injury and suspension and hopefully the bad times are over now and we have got through all that.
"We have got players coming back and there is competition for places. It certainly keeps you on your toes as you know you have to keep playing well as one mistake and you could be dropped and someone else could come in and do well.
"Earlier in the season, that option wasn't there for the manager but we have got strength in depth now.
"Saturday was a good win for us and hopefully it will increase our confidence and we can now get some more points on the board."
The 27-year-old admitted the win at Barnet was huge for the Reds as they moved up to 19th spot. Sub Andy Procter scored his first league goal six minutes from time while Williams held firm in defence - and won a penalty for the Reds opening goal.
"I was pushed for the penalty and I was gutted to be honest as I had a clear header on goal and I wanted to score!
"I have got one for the season and I fancy a couple more league goals and I am sure I would have scored if I hadn't been pushed.
"But it was a great feeling when Procky's goal went in for the winner. He enjoyed it and I guess he felt like he had proved a point after being dropped to the bench. We were all delighted."
After playing most of the games so far alongside Michael Welch - who scored a 40-yard wonder goal against Stockport in the first encounter - the centre half linked up with with Portuguese defender Mauro Almeida for the first time against the Bees and says the former FC Porto player will be a strong addition.
"He is not shy and gets stuck in and is not afraid of throwing his head or foot in. He gives 100 per cent in training and in games."
And Williams hopes they all give 100 per cent tomorrow (Sat) and can turn on the style at home.
Last season, the FES was something of a fortress but, in this campaign, the Reds have won just one of their last nine home games.
"I don't know why that is - we have a better away record at the moment," said Williams. "Perhaps it is the pitch, it isn't the best and we like to get the ball down and play so perhaps we are suffering a bit. Personally I do prefer away games but it doesn't really matter as every game in this league is a new experience and a challenge.
"Stockport tomorrow will be tough as they are going really well. And I have come up against their striker Anthony Elding so many times and he is a good player. But we just have to have a go.
"The table is a bit easier to look at after Saturday and hopefully things have now changed for the better and we can, at last, go on a bit of a run."
