Marcus Ebdon knows that his Spalding United side are in for a very difficult afternoon at Coalville Town on Saturday (3pm).
The Tulips travel to second-placed Coalville in a solid run of form, having gone five games unbeaten in Evo-Stik NPL Division One South.
But they’re without an away win in three months, having failed to beat rock-bottom Tividale last weekend (see page 37).
Winning at Coalville, who are Ebdon’s tip to finish second, looks like a big ask. They’ve won nine of their 15 home matches so far, losing just twice.
But Spalding have got form – they cruised to a 3-0 away win at Owen Street in the FA Cup back in September and also managed a 1-0 Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field success in the league reverse.
Having seen his side miss a host of chances at Tividale, Ebdon admits that the Tulips will need to have their shooting boots with them this weekend.
The Spalding boss said: “Obviously this is going to be a very tough game, they are absolutely flying at the moment.
“I’d certainly have them down as clear favourites to finish second in the table. They are a very decent side.
“Saying that, we’ve beaten them twice this season – with the home win being one of our best performances.
“It’s important that we take our chances when we get them, that has cost us in recent weeks.
“(New signing) James Tricks looked very sharp and lively when he came on against Tividale, he could have had a hat-trick.”
Spalding go into the game just outside of the play-off places after Leek Town’s draw with Market Drayton Town on Tuesday.
The Tulips also have a Tuesday night trip to mid-table Gresley to look forward to this week. That clash is a 7.45pm kick-off.
