Rawlinson says Spalding United are now looking up the table as they bid to pass 40-point mark over Easter

Spalding United are bidding to finally secure their future in Evo-Stik NPL First Division South over the Easter period.

Chris Rawlinson’s Tulips were braced for a run of three games in five days, but the trip to Gresley on Thursday was rained off. They will now just host Loughborough Dynamo on Saturday (3pm) and then travel to Peterborough Sports on Monday (also 3pm).

After producing a stellar showing to win at high-flying Alvechurch last weekend, Rawlinson feels his side should be looking for positive results from the games against two teams that are below the 13th-placed Tulips in the table.

And, with such a gruelling schedule ahead, the Spalding supremo admits that every member of his squad will get minutes on the field over Easter.

“The lads deserved all of the credit for the result at Alvechurch,” said Rawlinson. “They’ve been working really hard – and this is their just reward.

“If you actually look at our recent form, it’s actually not been that bad. All that was missing was a win against one of the top sides, which we’ve now managed.

“I think that, at one stage of the season, people had us as dead-certs for relegation.

“I’d not say we’re safe now, but we’re certainly looking up the table now. Can we get into the top ten? Probably not. But we can aim to be top of the bottom half of the table.”

The pick of the three games is the Easter Monday showdown with local rivals Sports.

Jimmy Dean’s side have been in good form lately after a slow start – and Rawlinson reckons that they’ve now adjusted to the league after their promotion from the UCL.

He added: “It’s not a great league, but it’s a very hard one. Barring Basford, anyone can beat anyone.

“Sports seem to have adjusted now and are probably feeling safe.

“I hope they stay up, next season is looking exciting with the prospect of two other local sides coming up from the UCL too.”

Paul Walker is Spalding’s sole injury concern after his sciatica flared up in Saturday’s victory at Alvechurch.

The Tulips go into the games on 39 points, one shy of the 40-point mark Rawlinson feels will secure their safety.