Hayes talks up strike duo as Holbeach United bid to clinch a top five finish

Two games in five days against struggling sides should see Holbeach United cement a top five finish in the ChromaSport UCL Premier Division.

That’s the verdict of boss Seb Hayes, who wants to see his Tigers turn it on in the Carter’s Park clashes with Oadby Town (Saturday, 3pm) and Northampton Sileby Rangers (Wednesday, 7.45pm).

With Holbeach receiving confirmation last week that their Lincs FA Senior Trophy final will be played at Lincoln United on May 2, Hayes also wants his charges to stake a claim to start that game over the coming weeks.

That begins with the two home clashes with 21st-placed Oadby and rock-bottom Sileby.

Hayes isn’t taking the points for granted against either side, but does want to make a statement against Sileby – who failed to turn up for the game on its original date last month.

“The aim is to cement a top five finish,” insisted the Holbeach chief. “If we can do that, then we can just see how things play out – I certainly don’t think third place is beyond us.

“If we play like we did in Saturday’s win at St Andrews (see page 36), we’ll win both games.

“If we don’t, they’ll not be easy games for us.

“Personally, I’m feeling pumped up for the Sileby match. It still doesn’t sit right with me that they didn’t turn up.

“We were on a roll ahead of that game, but it stopped us in our tracks. It’s no surprise that we lost to Cogenhoe the following week and that ended our title hopes.

“We won’t forget what happened and hopefully the lads will take that onto the pitch.

“With the final approaching, everyone will get the chance to make their shirt their own. I want them to impress me.”

If Holbeach are to secure two wins, they’ll need strikers Will Bird and Lewis Leckie on-song.

Both are enjoying their first full season in the UCL Premier Division – and are closing on a combined total of 50 goals.

Hayes is full of praise for the pair. He added: “Will’s closing on 20 goals and Lewis isn’t far off 30.

“For me, that’s an incredible return for them and they’ve both had unbelievable seasons.

“People forget that this is their first full season at this level. This season has been a great experience for them and they’ve proved that they belong.”

The injured Matt Warfield is Holbeach’s only concern ahead of the two upcoming clashes.