Phil Barnes reckons that Holbeach United will be considered the underdogs for Tuesday night’s Uhlsport UCL Premier Division derby at Boston Town (7.45pm).
The Tigers have enjoyed a reasonably good recent record against the Poachers, but Barnes knows it’ll take a strong performance to return home from the DWB Stadium with a result.
Holbeach, who have a free weekend due to being out of the Emirates FA Cup, hope to be at full strength for the Lincolnshire derby with Ricky Drury, Nick Jackson, Stacey Cartwright, Fraser Bayliss and Will Barnes all available again after missing the draw at Heanor last Saturday.
While wishing to focus on his own side, Barnes did admit that he feels Boston could be a top six team this season given their impressive recruitment.
“It’s always a feisty game,” said Barnes. “It’s a good derby and we have had a few good results there over the years.
“You’d have to say that they probably start as favourites for this one, though. Given the players that they’ve signed and the quality they have there, the top six is probably achievable for them.
“We’ll focus on ourselves and hopefully we’ll have a strong squad to pick from again after Saturday. We’ll look to build on the draw at Heanor and we’ll certainly go to Boston looking for a result, we know it’s a big one for the fans.”
Holbeach hope to have a new face in the squad ahead of the derby, having put a seven-day approach in for an experienced midfielder who is currently playing for a UCL rival.
