Chris Rawlinson sees no reason why his revitalised Spalding United side can’t improve on their recent away woes at play-off chasing Chasetown on Saturday (3pm).
The Tulips more than held their own in the 1-1 draw with Stocksbridge Park Steels – another play-off hopeful – on Saturday and the Tulips chief is hoping to see more of the same this weekend.
With the game marking the beginning of Rawlinson’s second year in the job, he hopes that his new-look side will rise to the occasion at The Scholars Ground and pull further away from the dreaded relegation places.
Spalding – who saw Tuesday’s game at Sheffield FC postponed – go into the clash in 13th place in Evo-Stik NPL First Division South, some 15 points behind their hosts and with just eight away points to their name all season.
“Chasetown are always tough opponents,” admitted Rawlinson. “They knocked us out of the FA Trophy at their place, but we did beat them at the Sir Halley.
“You have to imagine that we’ll pick up some away points soon. The law of averages suggests that we must get something soon.
“Having watched the highlights back from Saturday’s game, it was nice to see us have such a good balance on the field.
“We also created a lot of chances against a Stocksbridge side that aren’t too far off Chasetown in the table.
“To a degree, we need to rediscover that this weekend. It’s a big pitch at Chasetown, so the game will be different.
“But the boost we got from having Matt Varley back in the side and Tom Siddons coming into the team can’t be underestimated.
“New signings always make a big difference and we’re happy with the impact they made.”
With regular number one Michael Duggan missing, young Lincoln City loanee Michael Antkowiak will again deputise in goal.
Key man Lee Beeson also returns, but Gary King (banned) and Ben Davison (unavailable) remain sidelined.
Spalding haven’t picked up so much as an away point since defeating Romulus 2-1 back on October 21.
They’ve lost all six of the away matches they’ve played since then.
Chasetown, meanwhile, have won seven of their 13 league home games.
