Tom Roberts reckons that it would be something of an upset if Holbeach United can win at title rivals AFC Kempston Rovers on Saturday (3pm).
The Tigers make the trip to the Hillgrounds Leisure ground in fifth place in the ChromaSport UCL Premier Division, some six points behind second-placed Kempston with two games in hand.
Hosts Rovers are unbeaten in their 23 league matches so far this season, winning 15 of them in the process.
They are just three points behind table-topping Leicester Nirvana – and Roberts feels they are huge contenders to win the championship.
“It’s a fantastic game to start the year with,” admitted the Tigers chief. “Kempston are unbeaten for a reason, they’re a very good side.
“I’m hoping that we can go there and apply ourselves well – and maybe pull off an upset.
“That’s not mind games, I do think it’d be an upset if we won there. They’ve not lost in the league all season and are above us in the table.
“In my opinion, Kempston are definite title contenders. They’ve been growing as a side for a few seasons now and are really one of the teams to beat.
“They also seem to score a lot of late winners, which really is a hallmark of a leading side.
“They have a host of players that have played at step four and above too, so we’ll have to respect their ability.
“Ash Fuller is one example that everyone at Holbeach knows about, he’s a top player at this level.
“It’s a great set-up there and I do think they’ll go close to the title this year.”
Despite his lofty praise for Saturday’s opponents, Roberts is confident that his side have enough in their locker to get a result.
He admits that the Tigers didn’t train much over the festive period – and with last Saturday’s game against Nirvana postponed, they’ve not played since the disappointing 1-0 defeat against Yaxley on December 28.
The result from that game may yet be overturned after The Cuckoos fielded an ineligible player, but Roberts is adamant that his side can’t be as sluggish against Kempston.
“We’ve been very inactive over the past few weeks,” admitted Roberts. “With it being Christmas and New Year and there being bad weather, it’s been tough.
“We can’t afford to go there and be sluggish, though. I’m confident that we’re capable of getting a result, but we’ll need to go about things in the right way.
“If we can win, it’ll really shake the league up. I’d still say we’re outsiders, but we’d certainly be in the mix if we can get three points on Saturday.”
Holbeach are hopeful that skipper Jamie Stevens and attacker Jake Clitheroe will shake off injuries ahead of the trip to Hillgrounds Leisure.
However, player/coach Matt Warfield and striker Tommy Treacher remain sidelined, while fellow frontman Josh Ford won’t return until February at the earliest.
Meanwhile, Holbeach have been boosted by the news that Jordan Thomas has turned down a move to rivals Spalding United.
The striker, who can play an either flank, was the subject of a seven-day notice of approach from the Tulips.
Roberts added: “It’s fantastic news for us. He’s been a key player for us so far this season and will carry on that way for the rest of the campaign.
“He’s enjoying his football at Holbeach and we hope that continues.”
