The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Phil Barnes is looking forward to seeing how his Holbeach United side handle Saturday’s tricky trip to Desborough Town.
Visiting the Northamptonshire-based sides in the Uhlsport UCL Premier Division is seen as a true test of the Tigers’ mettle, given that they harbour aspirations of being a top six side once again this year.
Having secured their first league win of the campaign against GNG Oadby Town last weekend, confidence is high at Carter’s Park.
But Barnes won’t rest on his laurels and wants to get a first away win of the season under his belt.
“Desborough is never a fun place to go,” admitted the Tigers chief. “But these kind of trips are the ones you need to win if you want to be at the top end.
“We need to go there and keep doing what we’ve been doing. We’ve deserved better so far this season and we got that win against Oadby.
“We’ve found it hard to get a settled side out this season due to injuries and suspension, but hopefully we’ll start seeing a bit more continuity now.
“All of the squad have stepped up at some point, but we have been stretched a bit thin.”
One big positive for Barnes this weekend is the return of key midfielder Joe Smith, who has completed his ban after being sent off in the Emirates FA Cup defeat to Sheffield FC.
But young forward Will Barnes starts his suspension and strike duo Michael Frew and Liam Tunstall remain injured, leaving Holbeach short of options in attack.
That has forced the Tigers back into the transfer market, with boss Barnes putting a seven-day notice of approach for a striker – and he hopes to be able to speak to his target at the weekend.
