Ian Dunn says he can feel the confidence flowing in his Pinchbeck United squad as they prepare for Saturday’s top-of-the-table showdown at Raunds Town (3pm).
The table-topping Knights make the trip to ChromaSport UCL Division One title rivals Raunds as the league’s in-form side, having picked up 30 points from the last 33 available.
That puts them a point clear of the second-placed Shopmates with a game in hand, while Blackstones and Buckingham Town are five points further back.
With Buckingham visiting the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field the following Saturday, player/boss Dunn admits that it’s a big seven days in Pinchbeck’s season.
A draw would be a fine result for the Knights but, having won away at Raunds in the League Cup (albeit a match they eventually forfeited due to fielding the ineligible Edgaras Buzas), Dunn sees no reason why his side shouldn’t target another victory.
“That performance in the cup has to stand us in good stead,” said the experienced striker. “I know it counted for nothing, but we know we can beat them.
“The boys are confident regardless. Nine wins out of the last ten league games guarantees that.
“Going into the game top of the table is obviously great and it doesn’t bring any added pressure as far as I’m concerned.
“We’re not getting ahead of ourselves, though. I said last week that it’d be naïve of us to deny we’re in the title mix. If you’re top after 16 games, that’s a fact – and we’d be stupid to say otherwise.
“These next two games are massive. If we lose at Raunds and Buckingham turn us over, then we’ll be adrift of top spot again.
“But, if we can go through these games unscathed, it’ll be looking good for us.
“The aim for Saturday is obviously not to lose. We’ve seen them a few times and the side we faced in the cup and the style in which they play is pretty consistent. We even had five or six missing in that cup game, so we can be confident.
“They are a good footballing side, although they’ve had a few blips in recent weeks.”
A feature of Pinchbeck’s recent play has been the way they’ve counter-attacked with pace and power, while also showing a willingness to go direct when the situation requires it.
That has seen veteran Dunn bench himself in recent weeks – something that looks set to continue at Kiln Park on Saturday.
The Knights will be able to welcome back defender Tom Brooks from suspension, but Luke Gardner and Buzas are rated doubtful after picking up knocks in last Saturday’s 2-1 win over Burton Park Wanderers.
Defenders Jack Smith and Ash Murrell are also carrying knocks but are expected to feature.
Raunds go into the game on something of a downward spiral, having lost 4-2 at lowly Bugbrooke St Michaels last weekend.
