The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Chris Rawlinson feels his Spalding United side must now start looking up the Evo-Stik NPL First Division South table instead of worrying about the threat of relegation.
After seeing Saturday’s trip to Gresley and Tuesday night’s home date with Frickley Athletic postponed, the Tulips remain 13th in the standings – some six points off the bottom.
But, with around half of the division battling to avoid the one relegation spot this season, Rawlinson feels it’s time for his Spalding side to look forward and try to finish as high as they possibly can.
That new outlook begins with Saturday’s home date against Stocksbridge Park Steels (3pm). The Tulips are only nine points behind eighth-placed Steels and feel catching them isn’t out of the question.
“I feel like the mood in the camp has changed,” said Rawlinson. “If we spend the last 16 games looking over our shoulders, it’s not healthy for our chances.
“Now we’re looking up the table and thinking: who can we catch?
“Anybody from Belper in 11th place downwards isn’t really safe, so there’s no point putting too much pressure on ourselves.
“It’s time we set our own goals higher and target catching those sides above us in the table.”
The Tulips could have two new faces into their squad on Saturday after securing short-term deals for Lincoln United youngsters.
Having already utilised left-sider James Hugo to great effect, Spalding have gone back to the Red Imps to add goalkeeper Michael Antkowiak and striker Luke White on work experience loans.
Although the Tulips are only able to name two of the three youngsters in their squad at any one time, Rawlinson feels both are exciting additions.
He’s also hoping to reinforce his midfield options ahead of the weekend.
“We’ve got no competition for places in midfield,” added the Spalding supremo. “I’m happy with our defensive and attacking options, but it’s vital we get a midfielder in.
“The young lads will get minutes. White is a very good finisher and Antkowiak will cover Michael Duggan when he’s away next week.”
Skipper Gary King is suspended on Saturday and also misses Tuesday night’s trip to Sheffield FC (7.45pm).
Meanwhile, former Spalding boss Dave Frecklington and ex-Tulips player and coach Terry Fleming were sacked from their respective roles as manager and number two at Gainsborough Trinity on Tuesday.
