Holbeach United boss Tom Roberts is glad to have seen the back of what he describes as “an absolutely miserable” January.
With last Saturday’s trip to Kempston Rovers postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, it meant that the Tigers only managed to play one game over the entire month.
That was a 2-1 defeat against ChromaSport UCL Premier Division strugglers Rothwell Corinthians – and to rub salt into the Holbeach wounds, Aaron Eyett suffered a nasty ankle injury in the process.
Roberts admits that he’s become “bored” by the situation, but says he and his side are now chomping at the bit ahead of Saturday’s Carter’s Park derby with Peterborough Northern Star (3pm).
The Tigers chief does, however, reckon that his side will need to be at their best to beat a Star side that are performing well under boss Seb Hayes.
“PNS will be a very tough game for us,” admitted the player/boss. “I’ve got a lot of respect for how Seb has gone about his business there.
“They are doing things the right way and have a lot of local talent in their squad. They also have top UCL players like Jacob Joyce, so it’s a good mix.
“They’ll go into the game with no pressure, I’m sure their aim is just to finish as high as possible.
“It’ll be great just to get out on the pitch. January has been so boring – the weather has been absolutely miserable and I’m glad to see the back of it. Luckily, we’ve not moved much and are still fifth. What is annoying is that we’ll now have to play a lot of midweek matches.
“That’s fine, but the way they’ve been arranged is frustrating. I mean, we’re playing PNS – who are 20 miles away – on a Saturday, while going to Leicester Nirvana and Rothwell on Tuesdays.
“There’s nothing we can do about it, but it’s very disappointing.”
Holbeach hope to welcome back Josh Ford on Saturday, but Jamie Stevens and Tom Gosling are still banned.
The Tigers do hope to hand debuts to attackers Jenk Acer and Sean Coughlan, while another new signing, full back Richard Platt from AFC Rushden and Diamonds, should also be involved.
Star come into the clash in ninth place, nine points behind the fifth-placed Tigers having played seven games more. The pair drew the October reverse 0-0.
Meanwhile, Boston Town striker Alex Beck has snubbed a move to Holbeach. The Tigers made a seven-day approach for him last week, but he’s opted to stay with the Poachers.
Roberts added: “I had a good chat with Alex and he’s decided to stay. Like I said last week, Boston are a close-knit group and I respect that.
“I’ve told him that the door is open for him should he change his mind. We’ll certainly look to talk again in the summer.”
There could be one further addition to the Tigers squad in the coming week, with keeper Lee Drury – brother of regular number one Ricky – likely to sign on as cover.
