In a division where the vast majority of teams are separated not by any great gulf in quality, but by their ability to get the best out of themselves in a match situation, the value of hard work cannot be underestimated.

As a case in point, our recent defeats saw several unnamed players (specifically some who've arrived this summer) accused of failing to meet the effort levels demanded of them.

Dannie Bulman, one who seems to relish doing the hard yards more than most, was the first to comment, and his point was reiterated by Neal Ardley after the draw at Carlisle.

A more positive example of the importance of hard work came on Saturday, as the oft-maligned Adebayo Azeez came off the bench to deliver the winning goal, and a valuable three points.

The young striker was a figure of fun last season; his work-rate was always recognised, but many had doubts about whether he had the technical ability or strength to match.

But to his credit, he has re-emerged this season almost unrecognisable as the lanky, awkward player we saw last season.

He seems to have developed a physical presence to go with his pace and energy, and if Saturday is anything to go by, his end product seems also to have benefitted from his hard work in the off-season.

Always a hard worker himself, Ardley has been quick to praise the reinvigorated Azeez - and we can rest assured that behind closed doors, those who he feels have been shirking their training-ground responsibilities will be told (in no uncertain terms) what is expected of them here.

Perhaps this is an unfortunate side effect of signing players from higher divisions? Any extra quality may well be tempered by an unhealthy attitude, a belief that they are 'better than League Two'?

I obviously don't know the details of this issue, and don't intend to speculate on who the players concerned might be - our time is far better spent on the praise of those who have gone above and beyond what is required of them, to improve their game.

Azeez is not alone in this category: Jon Meades looks back to his best after a couple of injury-plagued seasons, while Jake Reeves and Callum Kennedy also seem better prepared for the intensity and physicality of League Two football.

Let's just hope that they set a good example to the rest of the squad: Azeez may well have done enough to start our next game, and would provide an excellent role model for other fringe players hoping to establish themselves in the side.

We've seen how hard work can bring positive results - but the reverse is also true. Players in a winning side are far more likely to give their all for the cause, and every point we gain makes the motivational task facing Ardley and his managerial team a little easier.