Two tough games in the space of three days should let Spalding United know exactly where they stand in Evo-Stik NPL Division One South this season.
That’s the verdict of Tulips chief Dave Frecklington ahead of Saturday’s trip to Northwich Victoria (3pm) and Bank Holiday Monday’s home derby with Stamford (3pm).
Having been open about his aims to challenge for promotion with Spalding this season, Frecklington believes that Northwich and the Daniels will have similar goals.
And, with four points from two games under their belt – along with a 3-0 Emirates FA Cup win at Bury Town (see page 37) – the Tulips boss is looking forward to the challenge.
“They’re exciting games,” admitted Frecklington. “If we can pick up four points – or even an amazing six – I’ll be over the moon.
“We’ve already had a tough start, but it’s certainly not getting any easier.
“That’s what this league is all about, though.
“I certainly think that this weekend will offer an indication as to where we are at as a team. Both Northwich and Stamford are sides that I’d expect to see up there at the end of the season.
“I still see Stamford as favourites to win the league.
“We didn’t do ourselves justice in the county cup loss to them in pre-season, so hopefully we’ll be at it on Monday.
“The squad have been brilliant, they’ve all adapted superbly well to what we’re trying to do here.”
Frecklington added that he’s been very impressed with the attitude of his new-look side over the opening few weeks of the season.
Having revamped the side since joining in the summer, the Tulips boss feels his side have plenty going for them at both ends of the pitch.
He said: “A few of the lads have found it difficult, but there’s a lot of character in this side.
“There’s also a lot of goals in the team too. When we can get Bradley Barraclough and Chris Hamilton fit, we’ll look even more dangerous.
“Equally, we don’t look like conceding many goals at the moment.”
The above mentioned Barraclough (striker) and Hamilton (winger) will miss both games over the weekend, with Spalding unchanged from the Bury win last weekend.
Saturday’s opponents Northwich have only picked up one point from their opening two games, while Stamford have a win and a defeat from their first two league clashes.
