The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Graham Drury admits that he is relishing a tricky Christmas period with title-chasing Holbeach United.
The Tigers make the tough trip to fourth-placed Cogenhoe United on Saturday (3pm), before welcoming in-form Wisbech Town to Carter’s Park on Boxing Day (3pm).
Co-boss Drury sees his side go into the weekend some 11 points behind leaders AFC Rushden and Diamonds after last week’s postponed home date with Oadby Town.
And although he remains confident that it’ll be a big season for third-placed Holbeach, he’s concerned that the fixtures have fallen kindly for promotion rivals Diamonds.
“Cogenhoe will be a tough one,“ admitted the former Boston United and Stamford chief. “They are one of a number of top sides in the UCL this season and will be challenging for a top five spot easily.
“Equally, Wisbech will really want to get one over us. They’re going very well and it’ll be another hard game. I wouldn’t have it any other way, though. You want big games over Christmas.
“Whatever happens, we’ll still be in the mix – but I do think it’s Diamonds’ title to lose now.
“With us still competing in the FA Vase, the fixtures have fallen kindly for them and you can see them maybe going 18 or 20 points clear of us at some stage.
“Maybe they’ll get complacent, who knows? But they have got a very strong side full of former UCL title winners there.”
Meanwhile, Holbeach have completed a swoop for hitman Matty Nolan from St Neots Town. The experience striker won the Southern Premier League title under Drury at Corby Town – and the joint boss is expecting big things from him once fit.
Drury added: “He’s not kicked a ball for a while, but once he gets fit I’m expecting big things from Matty.
“I think he could be great with Jamie Clarke and will fit into our 4-3-3 well. He will be a big player for us, I’m sure.”
