The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Buoyant boss Pat Rayment is confident that his Spalding United side will finish in the Evo-Stik League First Division South play-off places ahead of a tricky Easter period.
The Tulips make the trip to relegation-threatened Kidsgrove Athletic on Saturday, before welcoming promotion rivals Lincoln United to the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field on Easter Monday (both 3pm).
With six games to go, Rayment is confident that ten more points will be enough to see his side finish in the top five.
But he’s noticed a mentality shift among his players in recent weeks – and is intent on hunting down third-placed Newcastle Town, something that would guarantee home advantage in the play-offs.
“We go into the final six games full of confidence,” said Rayment. “I’ve been impressed by the last two performances.
“Something has finally twigged with a few of the players and we look ready for the battle now.
“I’ve always felt that 80 points was the number we’d need to get into the play-offs – and nothing I’ve seen has changed that view.
“But I am now convinced that we can finish the season with six wins and go into the play-offs in top form.
“The club is already going to finish higher than it ever has, so getting into the play-offs would be a big deal for us.
“Newcastle have a very tough run-in. I do think they’re catchable, so third has to be our target.”
Spalding’s Easter games represent very different challenges.
Saturday’s hosts Kidsgrove have endured something of a wretched campaign and go into the clash second from bottom.
Lincoln United, meanwhile, are a club revitalised under the charge of former Tulip Dave Frecklington.
They went into Saturday’s game in eighth place, but need results to go for them if they are to crash the play-off party.
Rayment added: “Despite injecting a bit of money into the club, Kidsgrove haven’t had the best season. An outsider looking in would have us down as strong favourites.
“We’ve got the quality, but it’s a case of keeping our foot on the gas and performing on the day.
“As for Lincoln, it’s our derby game really. Massive credit has to go to Dave Frecklington for turning that club around.
“They’ve got a great work ethic and a lot of quality too. It’s a funny one, as they could be out of it should they lose on Saturday. But if they win, they’ll need to beat us to stand any chance.
“Hopefully we’ll get a good crowd. It’s a big game on Easter Monday and we’d certainly appreciate the support.”
Nathan Stainfield (knee) is Spalding’s only injury concern.
Meanwhile, the Sir Halley has been recommended for ground ‘Grade D’ – meaning that the Tulips are eligible for promotion.
