Marcus Ebdon admits that he and his Spalding United side are looking forward to visiting Evo-Stik NPL Division One South rivals Loughborough Dynamo on Saturday (3pm).
The Tulips produced one of their best performances in recent memory when they romped to a 6-0 success at Nanpantan Sports Ground last season.
Ebdon, then assistant to former boss Pat Rayment, has fond memories of that match – and the quality of the playing surface.
With Spalding’s Sir Halley Stewart ground resembling more of a ploughed field than a pitch in recent weeks, it’s fair to say the Tulips are happy to be on the road again.
However, Ebdon does feel that his play-off chasing charges may be catching Dynamo at the wrong time.
Although they’re currently in the drop zone, Loughborough have recently changed manager.
Ian Robinson and Gary Sucharewycz replaced Scott Machin at the end of December, bringing a few new players in.
Although they’ve lost four on the spin, Ebdon has been told that his sixth-placed Tulips should expect a rough challenge.
He said: “Obviously Loughborough are right down there. But I’ve been speaking to another manager who tells me they are massively improved.
“When a new manager comes in you can expect there to be changes and a reaction.
“Maybe we’re going there at the wrong time. But we’ve also stopped the rot with a win and a draw, so our confidence is coming back.
“What I will say is that Loughborough is a lovely place to go and play.
“Their pitch is brilliant, so we’re looking forward to being able to get the ball down and play a bit of football for the first time in a while.
“Obviously a few of us remember the 6-0, too. You never forget grounds where you win that well.”
The Tulips have no fresh injury concerns ahead of their date with Dynamo, but won’t be able to call upon the services of dual registered striker Jordan Thomas, who is expected to play for Holbeach United.
Lougborough have won four and lost nine of their 14 home matches so far this season. They were beaten 2-0 at the Sir Halley in the reverse fixture back in August, with Josh Moreman and Jordan Nuttell the Spalding scorers.
