Former co-bosses Darren Jarvis and Michael Goode go head-to-head for the first time as UCL Premier Division managers tonight (Wednesday) as Holbeach United entertain Deeping Rangers at Carter’s Park (7.45pm).
The pair were controversially sacked as joint Peterborough Northern Star chiefs back in February, but both have moved on to news clubs – and to great effect.
Jarvis’ third-placed Tigers will be slight favourites to see off their Lincolnshire rivals, but both are considered outside bets to win the title.
The Holbeach boss, who began his managerial career with Deeping Rangers Reserves, admits that he’s looking forward to playing a side that he has a lot of respect for.
Jarvis said: “Deeping Rangers are a club that I know really well – and I have lots of friends there both on and off the field.
“It’ll be a really, really hard-fought game. They are in great form and will be very hard to beat.
“Michael Goode will have them very well-organised and they are capable of beating anybody on their day.
“It’s a game that we’re really looking forward to, as I’m sure Deeping are too, for all of the right reasons.”
Deeping drew 0-0 at second-placed Kirby Muxloe on Saturday and have only lost twice in the league all season. Only the top three (including Holbeach) and unbeaten Kempston Rovers can better that.
They come into the clash in sixth place and haven’t been beaten in six games (all competitions). Their last league loss was at Peterborough Northern Star back in September.
Holbeach are arguably in better form, having not lost in the league since the opening day of the season – a run that now spans 13 games.
Jarvis will be hoping that the dreaded manager of the month curse doesn’t strike, having been awarded the UCL Premier Division’s October prize.
He steered the Tigers to six wins and three draws from nine matches in all competitions, making it an unbeaten month.
Holbeach hope to have winger Lee Beeson in their squad again after his substitute appearance against Desborough Town on Saturday.
- Heavy fog at Holbeach has put the game in doubt. If it doesn’t clear, there will be a 5.30pm pitch inspection.
