JAKE Speight is quick to bat off any suggestions that Mansfield Town are a one-dimensional side, a one-trick pony, a team of brawn and no brains.
After a shaky start to the campaign, Stags boss Paul Cox was quick to demand his side got back to being hard-to-beat, to win ugly if need be.
He wanted them back to the force that looked unstoppable last season, as they surged up to finish third in the Blue Square Premier.
But after a mixed start, with four wins and four defeats, fingers have been pointed about how Mansfield look to rely too much on being a direct side, with the imposing figure of Matt Rhead leading the line.
Add to that bringing back Exodus Geohaghon and his long throw-ins that cause all sorts of trouble, it has added fuel to the fire.
But there is also a feeling that had Mansfield turned a couple of those defeats into wins, there would have been few complaints.
So as Stags prepare to take on Braintree on their home patch this afternoon, Speight is in no doubt about the quality of winning football Mansfield are capable of.
With Matt Green suspended, he could line-up alongside Rhead for only his second start since rejoining the club in a summer move from Wrexham.
He has netted three goals in six substitute appearances but believes with a run in the side, he can be prolific in front of goal, no matter who he plays alongside.
"I played in a team last season where we used the long throw a lot and it is effective at this level if used properly," said Speight.
"We have players in this squad that allows us to go direct and players, like Chris Clements, Gary Roberts, Adam Murray, who are total football players.
"It is not a case of being direct. Against some teams, you have to be and against others, you play football and pass it.
"We have the players to do both, which is good to have. Personally, I don't mind how we play. I am here to score goals so as long as I get chances, I am happy."
Green was sent off in the first half of last weekend's 3-1 defeat at Ebbsfleet for an alleged elbow.
Speight felt sympathy but is now determined to make the most of the opportunity.
And when Green does return, Speight feels he is more than capable of forming a lethal partnership with him or any other striker at the club.
"It is a long season and that is football," said the striker. "You have injuries and suspensions and it sets you back. That is how it works out.
"Greeny was unlucky and that is not in his make-up. Their defender was throwing his arms into him and Rheady.
"Rheady is a strong boy and people will try to get under his skin but he is so effective for us, he can handle it.
"I can play off him and I have played in games with Greeny too, so we have the players to do whatever scenario the manager wants to go with.
"Me and Greeny have enough about us to play together and link up well."
As for the start to the season, Speight added: "You look at the games and goals we conceded and we should have had more points. But there is a long way to go.
"I have settled in well since coming back so I am happy but we are still not far away from the top. It is a funny league and every team on their day can beat anybody."