The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Player/boss Ian Dunn insists that Pinchbeck United are embracing their tag as ChromaSport UCL Division One title favourites.
Dunn, who was named as the division’s manager of the month for December, feels confident that the good work done in the first half of the season will help the Knights be crowned champions.
Pinchbeck are seven points clear at the top of the standings ahead of Saturday’s trip to eighth-placed Olney Town (3pm), with a game in hand.
They are currently on a 13-game unbeaten run – having won 12 of those matches – but their last loss was in the reverse fixture against Olney back in September (3-2).
“It was obviously nice to win manager of the month,” said Dunn. “But the sole target here is to win that title at the end of the season.
“To be honest, we never expected to be in this position. We felt we’d be competitive, but the success we’ve had is amazing.
“We had quite a slow start as we found our feet. But we’re top on merit and we’re favourites to win the league for a reason.
“To shy away from that tag would be silly. We’re embracing it and go into every game confident that we’re going to win.”
Dunn also wants his side to set the record straight against Olney, who he feels were “deserved winners” in the Sir Halley reverse.
His team is much-changed since the sides last met, with the likes of Dan Swan, Aaron Eyett and Ash Murrell now regulars.
“We would like to avenge that loss,” added the experienced striker. “Olney deserved to beat us last time, we were awful.
“We’ve done our homework on them and have improved since the loss.
“We’ve learned the lessons of last season. We didn’t improve the squad at Christmas last year and it cost us. This season we’ve added Aaron Eyett, who undoubtedly improves the first team.
“With 15 games to go we’re in a position when teams can’t really afford to slip up if they want to catch us in the title race.
“We’re probably able to lose a few games or draw a few, so it’s a really strong situation for us.”
Winger Josh Smith and Dunn himself have shaken off illness and should feature, but Luke Gardner’s groin problem requires a trip to the specialist.
