The phrase 'mentality monsters' is thrown around a lot in modern-day football, but Notts County have added that missing component to their evident quality in their quest for National League glory.
In the Magpies' last four games in particular, Luke Williams' side has had to show that extra resilience to overcome adversity having conceded the opening goal against Solihull Moors and Barnet while finding a way to win in difficult circumstances against Torquay and Chesterfield.
Those results have seen Notts open up a five-point gap to second-placed Wrexham, but the story could have been very different in seasons gone by.
READ MORE: Matty Palmer pinpoints key Notts County difference as 'difficult' Barnet showing explained
While Williams' philosophy since arriving at Meadow Lane has been intent on playing high-pressing yet composed possession play, that added bite and determination has been evident in recent performances, something the Magpies chief was keen to instill into his squad throughout the campaign.
"It's strange because it is something that we focus on during the campaign," explained Williams.
"We have looked at the toughness and being able to have different routes forward and often we have not had to use different tactics seeing us control the game and have a lot of build-ups.
"But we have been working on making sure that we are ready for whatever is thrown our way and now we are seeing the fruit of that labour from players and that understanding from training day in, and day out.
"Mentality is everything really because we know we have quality in the squad and a good mixture of what you need to be a good football team on paper - but then in reality, those things mean less if you don't have the correct mentality.
"Sometimes mentality is difficult to create and can be damaged very easily, but so far the players have shown a strong mentality and it's been tested and they have shown resilience which is very important."
Perhaps the best evidence of that player mentality came from Tuesday night's victory over Barnet when Frank Vincent made just his second Notts appearance of the season after returning from his loan spell with Aldershot at the start of January.
The midfielder put on an encouraging performance at left-wing back after replacing Adam Chicksen late on, with Williams further emphasising the importance of that mentality that has gone hand in hand with the endless amounts of quality within his squad.
"When you look at the performances of Frank Vincent and Sam Austin when he came on, Sam's been a very important player for us and often he would have played in games and the team has won and he has played well but because of my image of the next game, he might have to come out and that is very difficult for a player to accept.
"But Sam just has a mentality that he will be prepared and ready all the time, and Frank showed the same mentality and the one that I am most impressed with and the one that I am looking for all the time - it's the type of mentality we see from Adam Chicksen and many of the other guys.
"With those players, we have just spoken about, it is very evident and that is the one we are striving for."
READ NEXT:
- Elite mentality and playing to the whistle - key talking points from Notts County's win over Barnet
- Jodi Jones relishing Notts County opportunity after impressive Barnet display
- County boss gives Adebayo-Rowling update and explains Nemane absence from Barnet win
- Notts County player ratings vs Barnet as super sub Jodi Jones inspires turnaround
