Spalding United boss Gaby Zakuani is still targeting promotion from the Pitching In NPL Midlands Division in his first full season as manager – but has called on his side to get themselves back in the play-off mix.
The Tulips are sitting ninth in the standings, but have fallen ten points behind fifth-placed Coleshill Town after last weekend’s 3-0 home defeat against leaders Halesowen Town.
This Saturday sees Spalding make the short trip to local rivals Wisbech Town (3pm), who are currently 19th after suffering a 5-0 loss at Stamford last time out.
Zakuani sees the derby date as the perfect chance for his side to reignite their promotion charge, but admits he’s looking to tweak the way they’ve been playing.
“I think the last game showed me that we need to change a few things,” said the former DR Congo international.
“We’ve been chasing a lot of games lately and it’s not ideal.
“We’ll work hard in training and off the pitch to try to add a bit of quality and style.
“Wisbech is a good game for us to look to turn things around. It’s a bit of a derby and we’ll be very up for the game. I know they’re having a tough time and lost heavily to Stamford, but we’ll not underestimate them.
“We’re looking for promotion, that’s been the goal from the very start. It’s still early days, but the gap between us and the play-offs is getting bigger.
“We need to get back to winning again and stop letting sides score early goals against us.”
Zakuani did, however, have some less positive news for Tulips fans with the news that star man Marcus Maddison will remain sidelined until at least January.
The former Peterborough United and Boston winger has already been out for over a month, but has been advised not to rush back in his recovery.
Zakuani admitted that it’s a massive blow to lose his former Posh team-mate, but added that he won’t endanger his long-term fitness.
“Let’s be honest, he’s way too good for the level,” added the Spalding supremo. “That much is obvious and he makes us a much better team.
“But we have to be careful with him. I’m certainly not rushing him back half-fit, he needs to be 100 per cent before we see him on the pitch again. I don’t think we’ll see him play again this year.”
Spalding have added teenage striker Enoch Opayinka to their squad, having swooped to secure him on dual forms with Pinchbeck United.
He was on the bench last weekend and Zakuani sees a lot of potential in the speedy teenager.
“Enoch is a player we were aware of having previously been involved with Peterborough United and King’s Lynn Town,” he added. “We’ve been keeping an eye on him for a while and he’s proved that he’s more than capable at step five and now more than capable of stepping up.
“We want to be part of his development as a player and his pace and eye for goal is something that’s very exciting to now be able to work with.
“I look forward to seeing him work hard and take the opportunity.”
Meanwhile, Wisbech Town are offering servicemen and veterans free entry to the match and free hot drinks for the whole afternoon for Saturday’s game.
