Chris Rawlinson believes that Spalding United’s season starts for real on Saturday as they prepare to take on rivals Stamford in the semi-final of the Lincs FA Senior Cup.
The Tulips make the trip to The Zeeco Stadium (3pm) in high spirits, having dumped Boston United out 1-0 in the previous round – but will go into the clash as underdogs.
Graham Drury’s Daniels are rated as favourites to win Evo-Stik NPL Division One this season, a view Spalding number two Rawlinson subscribes to.
A final with Rawlinson and boss Dave Frecklington’s former side Lincoln United awaits the winners – but the assistant boss doesn’t see that as much of a carrot.
“Our season starts for real on Saturday,” said Rawlinson. “We’ve got a chance to reach the final and we’ll be looking to take it if we possibly can.
“At this level, finals don’t come around very often. This is the main Lincolnshire Cup – all of the big boys were in it.
“But the Evo-Stik sides have done superbly well to take them out between us.
“Stamford have some really good players and I do think they’ll be up there in the league come the end of the season.
“There will be unknown quantities, I’m sure. But looking at it now, you’d say they were among the favourites, for sure.
“They’ll be very strong, but we said the same about Boston United in the last round.
“Obviously Lincoln United being in the final is an interesting one. But we’re at Spalding United now – and the way things are shaping up we could play them in a few competitions this year.
“We left on amicable terms and there’s nothing to prove, so it’s the prospect of making a final we’re more excited about.
“The squad is looking great and we’re excited to get started.”
New signings Jordan Lemon (suspended) and Andrew Wright are cup tied for the Zeeco clash.
Wright did, however, score the only goal as Spalding beat Holbeach United 1-0 at Carter’s Park on Tuesday night.
The winger netted a first half penalty to settle a fiery South Holland friendly, with the Tulips having Nathan Whitehead sent off alongside the Tigers’ Stacy Cartwright following a scuffle before half time.
