The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Spalding United boss Pat Rayment reckons that 18 points from the last 11 games this season will be enough to book his side a place in the play-offs.
Currently sixth in Evo-Stik League First Division South, an additional 18 points – or six wins – would see the Tulips reach 80 points. Ever confident, Rayment is still targeting 11 wins in a bid to finish as high as possible come April 25.
He has, however, given up on the title, with Mickleover Sports or Leek Town the only two teams the Spalding supremo believes are capable of taking top spot.
“18 points will guarantee us a play-off spot,” insisted Rayment. “But you know me, I want to win all 11 games.
“For that to happen, we really need to get everyone available and find our shooting boots. After a very strong few months, our form has fallen away in recent weeks.
“But that’s just an indication of how strong the league is. With the exception of Brigg, anyone can beat anyone. It does appear that Mickleover and Leek are out of reach now.
“If you pushed me, I’d say Mickleover would be my tip for the title.
“It’s disappointing that we’ve only got one point from our last two games. If we could have picked up six, we could have had a right go at Mickleover on Tuesday week.
“As it is, we need to concentrate on finishing as high as we can and getting home advantage in the play-offs.”
Rayment and his side face something of a rarity in their next two games – a double header with Goole.
The East Riding side visit the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field on Saturday, before the Tulips make the 200-mile round trip to Marcus Street on Tuesday (7.45pm).
Rayment admits that playing the same side twice in four days is “far from ideal”, but is calling for his side to pick up six points ahead of tougher tests against Newcastle Town and Mickleover Sports the following week.
“I had Goole amongst my favourites at the start of the season,” added Rayment. “But it hasn’t worked out for them.
“Playing them away on Tuesday isn’t great for us.
“They are down in 15th, but we cannot take them lightly. Two wins will set us up very nicely.”
Matt Nolan returns from suspension, while Nathan Stainfield and Lewis Webb are expected to be fit. Gregg Smith serves the final game of his ban.
Loanees Elliot Hodge and Alex Simmons have returned to Lincoln City.
