DANNY SCHOFIELD marked the end of his suspension with some extra duties at the Galpharm.
Free to play after Tuesday's home defeat by Tranmere Rovers, Schofield received a final punishment from manager Peter Jackson.
The 24-year-old midfielder was ordered to help out staff in the club's Stadium Superstore for the busy spell between 5.30 and 7.00 before the game.
More than a few fans were surprised to be served by a member of the first-team squad ringing up the till!
Schofield enjoyed the experience, but can't wait to be wearing the blue and white stripes again rather than selling them.
"I'm dying to get back in, but I know it won't be easy because the lads have been playing well," he said.
"I know we didn't win on Tuesday night, but I thought we played some good football, worked very hard and created plenty of chances.
"It all means I'm going to have to work very hard to get back in and keep my place - but I've only got myself to blame.
"The sending-off against Morecambe was a daft incident, one of those where I just didn't think what I was doing.
"It was just a reaction thing and, with the ban being extended a match, it means I've been out for quite a while.
"I wouldn't be human if I didn't look back and wish I hadn't done it, but I've served my suspension now and, hopefully, I can now put it all behind me and concentrate on the season ahead."
Schofield, one of the most likeable characters in the squad, was sent-off against Morecambe in the LDV Vans Trophy for the fifth time in his career for alleged incidents of headbutting and spitting.
It's not something he's proud of and, having `done the time' for his offence, he is keen to make amends.
"I had just started getting into some real form after earning my place back in the side, so it's been tough to sit out three straight Saturday's and a Tuesday night," he explained.
"The game down at Bristol City had brought me my first goal of the season and a brilliant result - even though we deserved to win the game instead of draw it - and not only was I full of confidence, but the whole team was full of confidence as well.
"Just as I thought things were going well I got the red card and suffered a setback, but hopefully I can put that behind me now."
Schofield hopes he can again play his part as Peter Jackson bids to steer Town back into the play-off placings.
He is keen to score double figures this season, but recognises the quality of the competition for midfield places now Tony Carss is fit again and playing alongside Chris Brandon and Jon Worthington.
"Like most teams in this division, we need to put a run of three or four wins together and start building on that," he said.
"The League I table is very tight at the moment and one win can shoot you up a few places while one defeat can send you in the opposite direction.
"We need to put a run together to stay at the top and the lads are definitely capable of doing it."
Schofield has been working doubly hard in the gym and on the training ground, with extra sessions after the senior pros have left, to make sure he's ready to resume in top form when needed.
He was in the squad for today's clash with MK Dons and has firm ideas on how Town can be successful this season.
"I just want to play well and, obviously, score some more goals," he explained
"I started off here as a striker, so I am always looking to get into double figures as far as goalscoring is concerned.
"The main thing, though, is to make sure I do my job in helping the team do well - and I think we can challenge at the top of the table this season.
"It's a tough league, but by the looking of the results so far, everyone is capable of beating everyone else and that means we've got just as good a chance as everyone else.
"As long as we keep passing the ball and working hard - producing all the stuff we work on in training when it comes to a matchday - then I've no doubts we can be up there.
"I think the key is to make sure we pass the ball around. Long balls are going to get eaten for breakfast by the big, strong defenders at this level, so we need to be working around them - especially when we've got the ability in our side which we've got.
"We've got fantastic ability."
