Chris Rawlinson feels that tonight’s Lincs FA Senior Cup semi-final clash between Spalding United and Stamford (Thursday, 7.45pm) could be the first of a number of meaningful games between the two South Lincolnshire rivals this season.
The Spalding supremo reckons both sides are capable of challenging at the top end of the Evo-Stik League East Division next season, with Stamford in particular looking to bounce back from losing last year’s play-off final.
Before their league rivalry gets under way, both sides will be hoping to book a place in the final of the pre-season county competitionon Thursday – with Rawlinson admitting it would “be nice” to lead his Tulips to a showdown against either Lincoln United or Cleethorpes Town in March.
The two teams met at the same stage of the competition two years ago, with the Daniels prevailing 2-1 at the Zeeco Stadium on that occasion.
“It’s still very early in pre-season” admitted Rawlinson. “I think both sides will have a lot of players unavailable, which is how it goes, sadly.
“It’s obviously a reasonable chance for us to reach a final – and it’d be nice to get there if we possibly can.
“The final isn’t in pre-season, but these games very much are and it’s hard to know what will happen.
“What I will say is that it’s a chance for us to see where we’re at. I’d expect Stamford to be one of the leading sides next season and I’m hoping that we’ll be operating at a similar level.
“I look at my squad now and see lots of options. We’ve addressed the problems we had creating chances and scoring goals last season and we’ve got some of the best central defenders we could ask for at this level.
“I’ve got to be optimistic and confident about our chances, but Stamford and a few other teams in our league will feel the same.
“Do I expect to be battling with Stamford towards the top? I certainly hope so. The semi-final should be a good game and we’re at home, so hopefully there will be a decent crown and we’ll put on a good show. Reaching the final would be a bonus.”
Spalding warmed up for tonight’s tussle with a 4-1 friendly victory at Peterborough Northern Star on Monday night thanks to goals from Jonny Lockie, Danny Brooks, Gary King and Goerge Zuerner.
Rawlinson will be without Leon Mettam, Ben Davison and Conor Marshall, who all missed the quarter-final victory over Lincoln City.
The Tulips also visit Deeping on Tuesday (7.45pm).
