Marcus Ebdon is very much looking forward to the toughest game of his reign as Spalding United manager.
The Tulips travel to runaway Evo-Stik League First Division South leaders Stafford Rangers on Saturday (3pm) in what is the division’s standout game of the day.
Ebdon is yet to taste defeat as Spalding supremo, having steered his side to fourth place in the table with five wins and a draw from six games in charge.
During that time the Tulips have knocked off play-off rivals Coalville Town and Market Drayton Town, but leaders Stafford represent a bigger challenge.
They are nine points clear at the top and have yet to be beaten at home in nine outings, but Ebdon insists that his in-form side should travel with no fear.
He said: “On paper, I’d have to admit that it is the toughest game I’ll have taken charge of so far.
“Stafford are top for a reason, that’s for sure. They play a very specific style of football that is unique to them and will battle for every ball in midfield.
“But, like every side, they are beatable. Fingers crossed we’ve got the ability to do just that, as that’s what we’ll travel there looking to do.
“The form that we’re in at this moment in time is pretty impressive, so they’ll not relish playing us.
“Considering that we absolutely dominated our last game despite playing an hour with ten men, I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do with 11!”
Should Spalding win at Marston Road, they’ll be nine points off Rangers with a game in hand.
Ebdon, who was number two when Stafford prevailed 2-1 at the Sir Halley back in September, isn’t interested in talking about hunting them down and mounting a title tilt.
Securing a place in the play-offs remains his number one priority, although he doesn’t believe Stafford are a shoo-in for the title.
“I’ve said it from day one, getting into the play-offs is our aim – and we’re currently well-positioned to do that,” added the ex-Peterborough United professional. “We’re just three points off Coalville in second and do have a game in hand on Stafford too.
“Everybody is catchable at this stage of the season, but we’re just going to take each game as it comes and not make any big claims.”
The Tulips must do without scoring sensation Jake Newman, who bagged their winner at the weekend. He begins a three-match suspension, meaning that there’s a sizeable void to fill in the away attack.
That could be filled by Jamie Graham, who is available again after a few weeks out.
Ebdon is also sweating on the fitness of explosive right back Paul Walker, who is struggling with a hamstring problem.
But he’s still confident that he has enough options at his disposal to get the job done on Saturday.
“It’s obviously a blow to lose Jake, but we’re fortunate to have Jamie back in training.
“With Tom Waumsley, Josh Moreman and Charley Sanders also available, we’re well stocked.
“Paul Walker has got a bit of a hamstring, but we’re hopeful that he’ll be fit.
“He’s been incredible in recent weeks. He’s been bombing forward and really giving us a good attacking threat from full back.
“His energy is remarkable and hopefully he’ll be fit.”
Spalding also visit Gresley on Tuesday night (7.45pm).
