Holbeach United manager Danny Hussey has warned his side not to underestimate lowly rivals Peterborough Northern Star this weekend.
The Tigers, who are sixth in the Uhlsport UCL Premier Division, welcome 14th-placed Star to Carter’s Park for a derby fixture this Saturday (3pm).
Having had his side pumped up for last weekend’s postponed clash with table-toppers Shepshed Dynamo, taking on PNS will present a different challenge for Hussey and his side.
However, with the city side having defeated previously unbeaten Loughborough University recently, the Holbeach chief knows what they are capable of.
“There is a lot of talent in that Star team,” admitted Hussey. “I think the key for them moving forward is consistency.
“I see them as a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde team. They are capable of beating most teams on their day – as the Loughborough result showed.
“But that lack of consistency means that they’re also liable to lose games that they perhaps shouldn’t.
“To be honest, it’s exactly the same problem I’ve had at Holbeach. Only recently have the lads started to perform as I’d like them to.
“I look at every game as one we should be winning – that’s just who I am as a manager.
“I was confident that we would have beaten Shepshed if the game was on last weekend and I’m confident that we’ll beat Star, too.
“We need to perform to the level that I know we’re capable of. If that happens, I’d back us against anyone.”
Holbeach could have a new keeper between the posts against Star, with popular ex-Pinchbeck United stopper Ricky Lovelace making the switch across South Holland.
Hussey wants Lovelace to provide competition for long-term number one Ricky Drury, who has been suffering with a leg injury for some time but has been unable to rest it.
Strikers Josh Ford and Jonny Lockie should always be available, while defender Jon Fairweather – who has impressed his manager since dropping into the back four – hopes to be fit after picking up a groin problem in the 2-2 draw at Quorn two weeks ago.
Hussey added: “Ricky (Lovelace) was really keen to join and we’re happy to have him.
“Ricky (Drury) has been a real pro for me as he’s played injured. Now we’ve got some competition for him, he can rest up.
“In front of the keeper, Jon Fairweather has been a joy to watch in defence. His positioning is a class above most at this level and hopefully he’ll be fit.”
Saturday’s game is also sponsors day at Carter’s Park, with Hussey hopeful his side will put on a show for the people who support the men in black and yellow.
- Holbeach were 3-0 winners at Blackstones in the KitmanUK KO Cup on Wednesday night thanks to goals from Will Bird, Luke Avis and Josh Ford (penalty).
They will host Melton Town, who have already knocked out Boston Town and Pinchbeck United, in the last eight on November 27.
