The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Chris Rawlinson insists that Spalding United have nothing to fear ahead of their Evo-Stik League East Division opener at Cleethorpes Town on Saturday (3pm).
The Tulips chief, who believes his side are one of many capable of challenging for promotion this year, feels that he and his charges couldn’t have asked for a much tougher opening day fixture.
However, Rawlinson wants to get that all-important first victory as soon as he possibly can – and is targeting having 18 to 20 points on the board after ten games.
Fellow Lincolnshire side Cleethorpes are reported to have invested heavily over the summer and are among the pre-season favourites to lift the title.
But the Spalding supremo, who is pleased to have seen the back of pre-season after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Grantham Town, admits that his side will travel with no fear.
“I think we’re all glad that pre-season is over,” said Rawlinson. “I see it as a necessary evil, really.
“I’ve been sick of it if I’m honest – and perhaps we played a few too many games this time around.
“We’ve had all of the usual player unavailablity that you’d expect, but now the real business begins.
“Cleethorpes away is, on paper, a very tough start. I know that they’ve spent a bit over the summer and you’d have to consider them one of the favourites this year.
“But do you know what? It’s the opening day of the season and we all start on the same points.
“We’ll go there with no pressure and look to get a result. Getting that first win is vital in any season and we want it as soon as we can.
“We want to be at least at the 18 to 20 point mark after ten games and we also want a few cups runs for the fans.
“I’m very comfortable with the squad that we’ve assembled and I’m confident that we can achieve our goals.
“As always, this league is going to be very tough and there will be a number of sides that have similar aspirations to ourselves.
“Having a strong start to the season is key and it’s obviously our target.
“We’ve got an exciting first few weeks ahead and I can’t wait to get started.”
Spalding hope to take a pretty strong squad with them to Cleethorpes’ all-new Linden Club ground.
Summer signing Leon Mettam should be fit to have some involvement after missing a large chunk of pre-season, while fellow frontman Tom Siddons is also available.
Speedy striker Jonny Lockie (ankle) is a doubt after hurting himself in last weekend’s pre-season finale, while midfielder Conor Marshall and defender Ellis Humble both miss out.
Cleethorpes, who boast ex-Spalding full-back Paul Walker among their ranks, did the double over the Tulips last season (3-0 at Spalding and 2-1 at home).
If they represent a familiar challenge for Rawlinson and his side, Tuesday’s opponents AFC Mansfield are something on an unknown quantity.
The league newboys are the first visitors to the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field (7.45pm). The Nottinghamshire side snapped up ex-Spalding hot-shot Bradley Wells and his brother Kieran over the summer.
