Upbeat joint Holbeach United boss Graham Drury reckons that Saturday’s trip to title rivals AFC Rushden and Diamonds is a blessing in disguise.
The second-placed Tigers will arrive at the Dog and Duck fresh off the back of a 4-0 home humbling against Peterborough Northern Star on Saturday (see page 36), but Drury isn’t reading too much into that result.
The ex-Stamford supremo and fellow co-chief John Chand were in attendance as Diamonds moved above Holbeach at the top of the UCL Premier Division after a 5-1 win over Kempston Rovers on Tuesday. Drury’s keen to put Saturday’s loss behind him – and has backed his side to deliver.
He said: “Let’s be honest, it’s one of our toughest games. But I’d not have it any other way – I’m a big believer that one result doesn’t make or break a season and this is the perfect chance for us to shake off the Star loss.
“I’ll chat to John, but I don’t imagine we’ll be making sweeping changes.
“Other than last weekend, we’ve been going along very nicely.
“Diamonds are one of our biggest rivals and will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season.
“I’m happy with our group, but I’m expecting a response from them.”
The Tigers will have to do without influential skipper Jamie Stevens, who will serve a ban against Diamonds. He’ll likely be replaced by Danny Spencer, who missed the Star loss.
Meanwhile, UCL Premier Division rivals Wisbech Town have made a seven-day notice of approach Holbeach hitman Tommy Treacher.
Part of the side than won the UCL Premier Division back in 2012/13, Treacher has seen his game time limited in recent weeks due to fierce competition.
Drury wants to keep the frontman, but admits that it’s not his choice.
He added: “I’ve spoken to Tommy and told him that he’ll get his chance soon.
“I think he’ll have a big part to play in our season, especially over the winter when the pitches turn.
“It’s his decision to make, but I certainly would like him to stay here.”
