The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Player/boss Ian Dunn has urged his Pinchbeck United side to rediscover their form against basement boys Stewarts and Lloyds on Saturday.
The Knights suffered only their second defeat of the ChromaSport UCL Division One season last weekend as they went down 3-2 at Olney Town.
They then slipped to a 3-1 home defeat against Sleaford Town in the Lincs FA Senior Trophy first round on Wednesday night, leaving the league as their sole focus for the remainder of the campaign.
Despite the dual setback, Pinchbeck are still well placed to mount a title charge in their debut UCL season.
Stewarts and Lloyds, meanwhile, have been the whipping boys of the division so far this season having lost all ten of their games for a goal difference of -38.
They’ve conceded six or more goals three times in the league already, with a 10-0 reverse against Lutterworth Town on the opening day of the season the heaviest loss they’ve suffered.
However, their performances have improved in recent weeks – with Dunn expecting a tougher test.
“They’re not getting hammered any more,” said the Knights chief. “They seem to be improving.
“We can’t afford to take anything for granted. If we turn up half-cocked again and expect to win easily because they’re bottom, we could easily slip up.
“The days of winning 4-0 at a canter are gone.
“Every game at UCL level is difficult and consistency is key.
“At the end of the day, we’re still fifth in the league and one defeat doesn’t change the fact we’ve made a good start.
“We need to put a run together and, when we’re not at our best, make sure we at least pick up a point.
“You can see that the league will be tight this season and that teams will take points off each other.
“We’re still one of many teams in with a shout at the top. But – and I hate this phrase – we’ve got to earn the right to play.”
The Knights should be boosted by the returns of Ash Murrell, Tom Brooks and Corey Kingston on Saturday, but key defender Jack Smith is struggling with a nagging injury.
