The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Danny Hussey feels Holbeach United are well-positioned in this year’s Uhlsport UCL Premier Division title race – but wants to see his side shake a monkey off their back this weekend.
The Tigers, who are unbeaten in 13 games after Saturday’s goaless draw at rivals Loughborough University, sit fifth in the table with games in hand on all but one of the four sides above them.
But Hussey admits that slip-ups against the so-called lesser sides are something that have cost his team valuable points this season.
And, with that in mind, he’s concerned by Saturday’s Carter’s Park clash with 13th-placed Northampton ON Chenecks (3pm).
“I think we’re in a very good position,” said Hussey, whose side are four points shy of table-topping Rugby Town with three games in hand. “The top six or seven are all very strong and I’m pleased we’ve made enough progress this season with regards to being in the title race.
“We’ve enjoyed some strong results against the better sides, but we’ve struggled against the teams in the middle of the table. For that reason, the game against Chenecks worries me.
“I’d back my team to beat anyone in this league on our day, but we have been known to lack urgency against sides we’re expected to beat.
“I knew we’d go to Loughborough and play well on Saturday, we wanted to avenge that 5-0 defeat on the opening day.
“If we take that performance into Saturday, I’m sure we’ll get a result. The lack of goals in recent weeks doesn’t really concern me, I know we’ve got goals in the side.
“The state of the pitch isn’t great either, I’m not really sure how we’re going to be able to play some good football on that. Hopefully the club have done some work on it by the time we take to the field – I’ll be disappointed if they haven’t.”
Hussey, whose side also host rivals Boston Town on Wednesday (7.45pm), has now enjoyed more than a year in charge of the Tigers.
He’s proud of the progress over the last 12 months, with the improved style of play and enhanced squad harmony among the things that have pleased him most.
But he’s most delighted that the Tigers have gone from UCL also-rans to genuine title contenders.
“I think we play a lot of football now, it was a bit kick and rush when I arrived,” said the Holbeach chief. “We’re a close-knit group too and the harmony in the dressing room is important.
“Obviously, when I took over I was spouting lines about trying to finish fourth or fifth.
“Now we’re hunting for the title and are expected to be there, which is good progress after just one year.”
Holbeach welcome back striker Ryan Oliver to their squad on Saturday, but fellow frontman Josh Ford remains sidelined.
Luke Avis (ankle) is rated doubtful, while keeper Ricky Lovelace is out getting some game time with Skegness Town on loan.
Barring any fresh injuries on Saturday, Hussey expects to have the same squad available for the Boston derby midweek.
The Poachers are on their best unbeaten run in 11 years under the stewardship of boss Gary Edgley and have climbed up to eighth in the UCL table.
Holbeach came from 2-0 down to win the reverse fixture 3-2 in the first week of the season, with Hussey hopeful that his side will complete a double.
He added: “They are on great form, but we certainly don’t fear them.
“I’d expect them to want revenge on us after the win we managed earlier in the season, so it’ll be a good game.
“I’m sure the fans will be up for the game and we’re looking forward to it.”
Meanwhile, Holbeach have been handed a home tie against Loughborough Dynamo in the last four of the KitmanUK Knockout Cup on a date to be confirmed.
The other semi-final sees Deeping Rangers square off against Rothwell Corinthians at Seargents Lawn.
