Seb Hayes insists that in-form Holbeach United aren’t ChromaSport UCL Premier Division title contenders despite racking up eight wins on the bounce.
The Tigers have won eight of their ten league games so far, drawing once and suffering just a single defeat at the hands of Deeping Rangers.
They are seventh in the standings after Wednesday night’s 2-1 derby win over Boston Town at Carter’s Park and have games in hand on all of the teams above them.
Hayes targeted a top six finish and strong showings in the cup competitions ahead of his first full season as boss – and sees no reason to adjust that goal at the moment.
But he admits that, if his Tigers keep their form going into the Christmas period, people will start talking about them in the same breath as pace-setters Newport Pagnell Town, Leicester Nirvana and Eynesbury Rovers.
“Nobody was talking about us pre-season,” admitted the ex-Huntingdon Town boss. “We got all of our transfer targets and people in the know seemed to think they weren’t up to scratch.
“The likes of Lewis Leckie and Will Bird were dubbed gamble signings as they’d not played consistently in the Premier Division, but they’ve been brilliant and proved themselves.
“We always said that we fancied a go at the cups – and we’re still in the UCL Cup, Lincs Cup and FA Vase.
“As for the league, people had us anywhere from as high as ninth to mid-table. The club has made marquee signings in recent years, but we didn’t go down that route.
“Instead, we looked to simply improve the squad and we’re all happy. Of course, we have in-house goals, but I’m not about to throw our hat in the ring for the title.
“We’re in what I call the business part of the season now. From October to December is very busy and the pitches turn.
“The next five games are huge for us. Obviously, if we win all five and we’re sitting pretty, we’ll have to re-asses. But, in the UCL, I’m acutely aware that a winning run can soon turn into a losing one.
“The coming months are not a time for playing great football. When the cold weather comes it’s about digging in and getting results, style goes out the window.”
Holbeach make the trip to Rothwell without the suspended Charley Sanders, unavailable Will Bird and injured Jordan Keeble, meaning Lewis Leckie – fresh off his hat-trick on Saturday – is the only recognised senior striker.
Hayes could opt to move midfielder Joe Smith into attack but, whoever he picks, the Tigers boss is expecting a tough test against a Rothwell side that he admires greatly.
However, he still believes his side have enough options at their disposal to get the win.
“Rothwell are a very difficult team to play against,” added Hayes. “Very few teams will go there and roll them over on their own patch.
“They are a proper, proven UCL Premier Division side. From the outside looking in, they appear to be a very close-knit bunch – which is how it should be.
“I think their management team is among the best in the league. Season after season, they finish in mid-table to top ten – which is a brilliant return.
“I’m certainly expecting a physical encounter. Yes, we’ve not got Will Bird or Charley Sanders, but I’m still happy with our attacking options.
“Joe Smith is available again and he’s somebody who can play further forward – his record in Sunday football is incredible.
“I still believe we can go there and score at least once. That could be good enough for us, as our defending has been very, very good lately.”
There should be a fresh face in the Holbeach squad after midfielder Luke Avis joined from Deeping Rangers on Monday. He was in the squad against Boston on Wednesday and played under Hayes during his time with Peterborough Northern Star.
