Hayes feels that Holbeach United are in a stronger position than at this time last season

Boss Seb Hayes feels that Holbeach United are well-placed to improve on last season as they enter the traditionally hectic festive period of fixtures.

The Tigers finished fourth in the Future Lions UCL Premier Division last time out, while also winning the Lincs FA Senior Trophy and reaching the semi-finals League Knockout Cup.

This year, they head into Saturday’s date with Peterborough Northern Star (3pm) in third place in the table, three points behind second-placed Rugby Town and 15 shy of runaway leaders Daventry Town.

Holbeach are also gearing up for a home date with Leicester Nirvana in the League Cup semi-finals in early 2019 and reached the last four of the county cup by beating Pinchbeck United 2-0 on Wednesday night.

Hayes feels that beating Northern Star is vital ahead of tough festive fixtures with Eynesbury Rovers (Dec 22, home), Pinchbeck (Boxing Day, away) and Deeping Rangers (Dec 29, away), as he hunts a top three finish.

“I don’t think we can talk about the title any more,” said the Tigers boss. “Although we’ve not lost ground on Daventry over the past month, they’re still way ahead.

“I’d look a bit silly if I said we could still win the title. But what we can do is keep the pressure on and see if that have some sort of blip in form.

“We’ve only lost two of our last 17 in all competitions, which represents a good run of form. But if you know me, you’ll know that I’m never happy and always want more.

“I do think that we’re better placed now than we were this time last year. Then, we had a tricky Christmas too – but we came through that with some impressive results.

“What I would say is that our home form could be a big factor for us in the second half of the season.

“We very rarely lose at home and do have the top two to play at our place. It’s important that we keep on getting results and stay in touch with them both.

“Northern Star will be tricky on Saturday. We’ve tended to do better at their place and have found it though at home against them.

“I’m expecting a tough game, but it’s one that we really need to win at this stage of the season.

“We’re currently third on merit and there’s a chance we could finish higher. The lads have done really well to come back from a tough start to the season – so let’s see where we are after the Christmas games.”

Holbeach are likely to be without midfielders Luke Avis and Danny Barker for the Northern Star game.