Boss Danny Clifton reckons that Holbeach United’s new pre-match routine is helping his young side produce more encouraging performances on the pitch, as their impending relegation looms.
The Tigers have just six Uhlsport UCL Premier Division games left to play this season and remain bottom and winless following last weekend’s 3-2 defeat against Leicester Nirvana.
With just 18 points left to play for, they are 15 points from safety – meaning that they could be officially relegated this weekend if they lose at fifth-placed Heather St John’s on Saturday (3pm) and either Pinchbeck United or Selston win.
Indeed, even if all three teams get the same result, Holbeach’s goal difference of -86 is considerably worse – so they’re pretty much down if they don’t better the result of both sides.
But Clifton isn’t wasting any time on that scenario, instead he’s very pleased with the recent upturn in the performances of his side.
He’s also hopeful that he’ll complete deals for defenders Dan Mason and Kane Gilbert ahead of the game.
He said: “We’ve put in two positive performances in a row now, despite the defeats.
“I don’t think it’s any coincidence that our pre-match methods have changed recently and the performances have improved.
“We’ve been arriving earlier and basically doing a 50-minute exercise as a team, instead of just the usual stretches and working in different departments.
“It’s hard to get all of the young lads on the training pitch, so this has been helping them respond to our game plan. I’ve been very encouraged.
“As for relegation, our run in is very hard and I think Deeping Rangers in eighth are the lowest ranked team we’ll face.
“I think we know we’ll finish bottom, it’s all about performances for us now.”
Remaining fixtures (after Saturday): Gresley Rovers, a, March 26; Anstey Nomads, h, April 2; Long Eaton, a, April 9; Boston Town, h, April 16; Deeping Rangers, a, April 18.
