The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Dave Frecklington insists that he’s not setting any points targets for his Spalding United side over a busy festive period as they bid to complete a devastating December in style.
The Tulips kick off their holiday fixtures at home to Lincoln United on Boxing Day (3pm), before making trips to Carlton Town (December 29, 7.45pm) and Stamford (January 2, 3pm).
They’ve gone unbeaten so far in December with three wins from as many games and have yet to concede a goal, while scoring eight.
That has put Spalding very much in the title picture in third place, just a point behind leading duo Shaw Lane AFC and Newcastle Town.
Frecklington feels that the packed schedule could trigger a shift in momentum at the top – and wants his side to take advantage.
“We’re really looking forward to these games,” said the Tulips chief. “With so many games, the table will change a lot in a short period of time.
“We need to keep our decent December going and make sure we stay in the mix.
“We’ve been all about winning ugly in December and I want that to carry on.
“Obviously the Lincoln game looks a big one as it’s my former club, but it’s just another game.
“If we can beat them, we’ll go into the Carlton clash full of confidence. They’re scrapping at the bottom, but we’ll fancy ourselves.
“Then we have Stamford, which is a big derby clash. It’s an exciting time.
“Of course, we want to go unbeaten and set ourselves up for 2017, but I’m not setting any points targets.
“What I will say is that we’ve got a lot of our rivals to play in 2017 – including Shaw Lane and Witton Albion twice.
“Things are in our hands.”
Frecklington goes into the festive fixtures without talented Burton Albion loanee Charlie Gatter, who has been moved on to higher-graded Boston United.
But he is hopeful of having wingers Cenk Acar and Jack Wightwick available again.
And, with striker Brad Barraclough fit again, Frecklington sees no reason to delve into the transfer market.
“We’re all about continuity,” added the Spalding boss. “Obviously it’s a shame to lose Charlie, he’s been class.
“But we’ve finally got Barraclough fit – and he looked very good last weekend. We’ve got options.
“We’ve kept the majority of the squad from the start of the season and it has really worked for us.”
Visit www.spaldingvoice.co.uk for updates on Spalding’s clashes over the Christmas period.
