Bullish Spalding United boss Dave Frecklington admits that his side are underdogs for Saturday’s huge top-of-the-table clash with Shaw Lane AFC – but sees no reason why his side can’t upset the odds.
The Tulips welcome table-toppers Shaw Lane to the Sir Halley (3pm) for what is the first meeting of the two pace-setters this season, with Frecklington’s second-placed side three points off the summit – having played three games more – following the midweek fixtures.
Spalding supremo Frecklington was at Lincoln United to see his old side demolished 6-0 by Shaw Lane on Tuesday – and admits that his new charges are in for a tough test against a side that are no strangers to a title race, having just missed out to eventual winners Stafford Rangers last year.
“Shaw Lane have to be favourites,” admitted the Tulips boss. “Simply because they have experience of being in the title race.
“OK, they didn’t win the title or the play-offs, but they were up there all season. They also retained most of their players, while also adding quality.
“My group of lads are a new bunch and we’ve not had that experience before.
“But we’ve not really been outside of the top three all season and we do come into the game in the best possible form really.
“We can be confident ahead of the match, for sure. It’s all about taking points off them and negating one of their games in hand.
“We’ve got no reason to have any fear. We’re not losing games or conceding many goals at the moment.
“If we can beat them it may knock their confidence a little. OK, they’re bound to take points from some of their games in hand, but we’ve got to try to take points off them.”
Frecklington should have a full squad to choose from at the Sir Halley, as the Tulips bid to extend their unbeaten run to eight games.
Shaw Lane have lost just once in the league all season, going down 1-0 at Stocksbridge back on September 27.
Frecklington hopes that the forecast snow and cold temperatures doesn’t hit the fixture – and would like to see a bumper crowd.
He added: “I’ve seen the forecast – we want the game on, we’re in good form.
“It promises to be a great game, hopefully we’ll have a good gate. Despite being in the title race we’ve struggled to break 200 for whatever reason, which is a shame.”
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