Dave Frecklington insists that his Spalding United side now have more “fire in their bellies” after Saturday’s top-of-the-table loss against Shaw Lane AFC.
The Tulips chief is refusing to give up on winning the Evo-Stik NPL First Division South title after the 1-0 defeat, but has set his side a minimum target of ten wins from their 17 remaining matches to at least clinch a play-off place.
That starts with a trip to struggling Rugby Town – who would be bottom but for Northwich Victoria’s ten-point deduction – on Saturday (3pm).
Having been involved in and around the division for the past 15 years, Frecklington knows that there are no easy games at any point in the season.
But he’s told his charges that they simply have to win at Butlin Road, admitting that a defeat would be “horrendous” for their season.
“It’s a much different test this week,” admitted the Spalding supremo. “But, in a strange way, Rugby will probably work harder than Shaw Lane.
“They’ll be battling for points as they want to stay up – that’s a given.
“We’re not feeling sorry for ourselves or downbeat after the Shaw Lane loss.
“I think it has actually put more fire in the bellies of the lads. We felt a real sense of injustice as we thought we deserved more.
“But that’s gone and we need to start a new run. We aren’t giving up on that title, but the first target has to be to secure a play-off place. To do that, I think we need ten wins from 17. That’s my minimum aim for the rest of the season.
“I want us to go unbeaten and finish the season in style. It’s hard, but do-able.
“We’ve done well to get ourselves into this position – now we need to work hard and make sure it doesn’t go to waste.
“There’s no hiding place for us, we’ve got to win on Saturday. A draw would be no good and defeat would be horrendous.”
Frecklington has no fresh injury concerns for the trip, with Michael Duggan and Mitch Griffiths still not quite fit. Both are expected back in training over the next week.
Conor Higginson has shaken off a calf problem and will make the trip to Rugby, while on-loan Richard Walton will continue in goal.
Meanwhile, Spalding have been drawn away at AFC Rushden and Diamonds in the Integro League Cup third round.
That tie will take place on Tuesday, January 31 (7.45pm).
