Victory in this weekend's FA Trophy tie against AFC Telford United this weekend can turn Chester FC's season around, reckons Luke George.
The no-nonsense midfielder understands supporters' frustrations at how the season has unfolded but believes it's not too late to get the fans back on side.
A win at New Bucks Head on Saturday (3pm) would give the Blues a welcome boost of confidence heading into what George describes as a 'massive' festive period.
Read: Steve Burr will take any kind of win in FA Trophy to get back on track
He said: "The FA Trophy gives the fans something else to be excited about and it's chance to go to Wembley and we'll be looking to go to Telford and make up for a little bit of disappointment in the FA Cup.
"I said a few weeks ago that it's going to be a massive Christmas period for us. I think it's a chance to turn our season around and the next six or seven games are crucial.
"If we want to be getting where we want to be then we've got to turn a lot of points around in these next few games and we're confident.
"We feel we've picked our moment to go and Macca (Jon McCarthy) has said to us what he expects from these next six or seven. That is a little bit of pressure but I think that's what we deserve at this stage because we have been a little bit hit and miss and that's what comes with the game."
Chester have not won in five outings and were beaten 3-1 at Cheltenham Town last weekend. The Blues matched the National League leaders for parts of the game and, without some missed chances and a defensive mistake, might have taken something from the match.
George, 23, agreed the pattern of the game was typical of the season as a whole.
He said: "I think you've hit the nail on the head. We sort of again played well in patches but I thought the goals we conceded were poor and that's something we've got to improve on.
Read: FA Trophy our 'most realistic' chance of success, admits Ian Sharps
"We've got to be more solid and if you like that's the frustration, and I know people keep saying it and it's a pain in the back at the minute, but the lads are frustrated because it is there and we know what we can do.
"We worked on a few different things in training and the gaffer's shuffling the pack about a bit and I think that's to get the best out of everyone.
"He's brought new faces in for more competition and that's what it's all about, having that competition over your shoulder so you can drive yourself on."
