MIXED FORTUNES: Jordan Thomas (on the ball) returns at Kirby Muxloe, but Ollie Pinner (right) remains banned. Photo by STEVE RELF

Caretaker boss Roberts expecting tough Holbeach United test at Kirby Muxloe

Tom Roberts is expecting a tough test when Holbeach United travel to fellow high-fliers Kirby Muxloe on Saturday (3pm).

It’s the first ChromaSport UCL Premier Division meeting of the season between two of the top six – although the Tigers did win 2-1 there in the KO Cup last month.

Saturday marks the first game of Roberts’ stint as Holbeach caretaker manager (alongside Andrew Tidswell) following the sacking of Darren Jarvis on Wednesday night.

“Having gone there in the cup, we know what to expect,” said Roberts. “Because of that experience we know what to expect and how to apply ourselves there.

“It’s a tough place to go, but with the pitches starting to turn and become very heavy we have to continue to work hard in games.”

Striker Jordan Thomas and defender Nick Jackson return to the squad after missing Tuesday’s 3-1 win at Deeping, while Tommy Treacher remains sidelined.

Midfielder Ollie Pinner is still suspended, while Lee Beeson and Stacy Cartwright aren’t likely to be involved, either.

Winger Beeson, who has only just returned to Carter’s Park from Grantham Town, has joined up with former Tigers boss Graham Drury at higher-graded Stamford. Holbeach will retain his UCL registration, though, and he could yet play for them again later in the campaign.

Defender Cartwright, who hasn’t featured for a few weeks, is unavailable due to work commitments.

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