Jack Rea thinks Bucks' spirit is improving

The Bucks claimed their fourth point in two games with Saturday's draw against Boston United.

And the midfield hardman believes the new managerial structure is key to the Bucks' improvement.

The duo replaced former boss Steve Kittrick at the end of August and Rea feels they are starting to make their mark.

He said: "It took a while because they wanted to get the people they wanted in.

"The two different managerial styles are quite different in terms of the styles of play but once they got their boys in, the confidence has come back and everyone's working for each other.

"You saw in the game with the goal celebrations that there's a good spirit and that's only going to grow."

Smith's side sacrificed a 2-0 half-time lead to come out with just a point at the New Bucks Head on Saturday.

The dismissal of debutant Jake Hibbs just after half-time was the catalyst for the visitors to get back into the game, but Rea thought the official's decision was unfair.

He added: "At 2-0 we were cruising in a way, maybe in our position we're never cruising, but we felt comfortable. We did start the second-half sloppy and the sending off was harsh.

"The first tackle was a very decent one in the centre of the park, I think if you can't tackle like that then in my eyes the game's gone because that's my game."

After an eye-catching appearance from the former Chester and Guiseley man, Rea insisted he is feeling his way back to peak fitness.

He said: "I think when I came back my fitness levels weren't where I'd like and I struggled during the last 10 minutes of each half.

"But I'm getting a lot fitter and I grew into the end of the Boston game. I can only get stronger and fitter.

"I think we actually passed the ball very well in the last 10 or 15 minutes which is a sign of fitness levels and a sign of confidence. It was hard in the second-half, but I thought we pulled together well."