It’s crunch time for Holbeach United’s hopes of winning a cup competition this season as they prepare for two huge semi-finals within the space of just four days.
The Tigers welcome Uhlsport UCL Premier Division title hopefuls Loughborough University to Carter’s Park for a KitmanUK League Cup last four showdown on Saturday (3pm), before visiting fierce rivals Boston Town in the semis of the Lincs FA Senior Trophy on Tuesday (7.45pm).
Also in the mix for the UCL Premier Division title, boss Danny Hussey would love nothing more than to win some silverware to the club after losing last year’s Knockout Cup final to eventual double winners Daventry Town.
But he admits that both semi-finals represent huge tests for his charges, given that he rates Loughborough as the best team he’s seen in the league this season and also knows that neighbours Boston Town just “don’t like” his side.
“Both games are equally difficult semi-finals,” said the Tigers boss. “I’ve said it a few times, but Loughborough are the best team I’ve seen this season – albeit we haven’t played Shepshed.
“As for Boston Town, we’ve deservedly beaten then twice already this season. But, as you can tell from their social media and comments that come out of the club, they just don’t like us.
“They are a good side too and they’ll certainly want to get one over us.
“I’m looking at both games as equally important, you never want to lose a semi-final and the lads would love two finals to look forward to.
“Loughborough play great football and they thrashed us at the start of the season. They train every day and knew each other inside out, which is rare in the UCL.
“But they may find coming to Holbeach on a cold winter’s day on a pitch that is likely to be pretty horrible will be a different test for them – probably a big shock to the system.
“As for Boston, we know what to expect when we go there. They’ll want to get the better of us and will do their best to try and rile us up.
“We know that they don’t like us and that’s fine, we know that we’ve beaten them twice and were good value for both wins.
“Obviously this is a huge week in our season. We could be in a cup final or two this time next week – or out of both.
“We reached one final last season, so we want to at least emulate that this season.”
Hussey has a largely full squad to pick from for Saturday’s contest, with Michael Frew back involved after suspension.
However, in-form frontman Liam Adams is cup tied for Tuesday night’s game at Boston Town.
Long-term injury absentee Luke Avis is out of both games, though, with the midfielder not yet ready to return to the fold.
