Danny Hussey believes that his Holbeach United side are well placed for at least a top three finish in the Uhlsport UCL Premier Division this season.
The Tigers, who haven’t lost since the end of September, are 14 games unbeaten and sit second in the table –level on points with leaders Shepshed Dynamo having played three games more.
Holbeach boss Hussey stopped short of saying the league title is likely to come back to Carter’s Park for the first time since the 2012/13 season, but he admits that they’ll be “there or thereabouts” if their fine form continues.
Having won Wednesday night’s derby against Boston Town 1-0, Hussey remains hopeful that his team will be able to motivate themselves for the trip to 18th-placed Desborough Town on Saturday (3pm).
“The top six are all in with a shout this year,” proclaimed the Tigers boss.
“You have to say that Shepshed are the favourites, but everyone will drop points between now and the end of the season.
“I’d include us in that, but to have not lost since September shows what we’re capable of. If we can do something similar over the next 15 games or so, we’ll be there or thereabouts in the top three.
“That would represent a great season and a strong improvement on last year.
“For now, we have to get ourselves up for the game at Desborough; it’s the same scenario as against Chenecks last week (won 4-1).
“There have been a handful of times when we’ve gone into these games that we’re expected to win and just had completely the wrong attitude and expected it to be easy.
“If I were Desborough, I’d sit in and try to frustrate us given the run that we’re on and where both teams are in the league.
“They may not do that, but it’s up to us to get an early goal and force them to come out.
“The pitch might be tough and it’s a tough one for any team to have to try and break down another, it can be uncomfortable.
“If we want to challenge at the top, these are the games you have to win.”
Holbeach are boosted by the return of key frontman Josh Ford, who has returned from a break in Australia.
Midfielder Luke Avis remains sidelined, but Hussey has an otherwise full squad to pick from at Waterworks Field.
Opponents Desborough have only won four times in the league this season and saw last Saturday’s game with Pinchbeck United rained off.
They are on a 16-game winless streak that stretches back to the end of September, but did pick up a 1-1 draw at Carter’s Park in November.
Holbeach won the corresponding fixture 2-0 last season with Will Bird among the scorers.
