Confident boss Chris Rawlinson has called on his Spalding United squad to keep their solid home form going as they bid to secure another season in Evo-Stik NPL First Division South.
Back-to-back Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field wins against Peterborough Sports and Newcastle Town over the festive period elevated the Tulips up to 13th place in the table – and with just one side going down this season, they are eight points clear of the drop zone.
This Saturday sees Spalding host improving basement boys Romulus (3pm), with Rawlinson insistent that picking up points at home is crucial for his charges.
The Tulips chief was in attendance as Romulus drew 1-1 with fellow strugglers Sports last weekend and was impressed with what he saw – albeit on a 3G surface.
Spalding will go into the game as favourites and victory would certainly ease their lingering relegation fears.
“By rights, I suppose we are favourites,” admitted Rawlinson. “We come into the game in pretty good shape.
“We got two great results at home over Christmas and put in a performance worthy of a win in the loss at Cleethorpes.
“I don’t want to talk about the budget cuts again, but it was a tough time for everyone here. Now, there feels like we have renewed optimism – especially for home games.
“We need to be aiming to win every home game now, but the Romulus match is certainly one to target.
“We appreciate that the fans haven’t had a lot to shout about this season – especially after the excitement of the play-offs last year – but we need them to get behind us on Saturday.
“I saw them (Romulus) play on Saturday and they showed a lot of spirit. They’ll certainly be tough to beat.
“But there’s a lot of difference between playing on their nice, flat 3G surface and our pitch at the Sir Halley, that’s for sure.
“Likewise, we’ve just been awful away from home this season. I can’t put my finger on it at the moment, but I’m sure things will come good.”
Rawlinson is only missing Ben Davison, who is suffering from a hamstring injury that should keep him out for a least a few more weeks.
New boys James Tricks and James Hugo, who both signed over the festive period, should both be available though.
Rawlinson expects left-sider Hugo, who is on loan from Lincoln City, to have a big future in the game and has been very impressed with his impact so far.
“James has made a big impact,” added the Spalding supremo. “You can tell the boy has got something.
“I’d certainly expect him to go back to Lincoln and make a career for himself in the game.
“We’re just happy to have him for as long as we can. If that’s for the rest of the season, then great.
“It’s a case of waiting to see what Lincoln want.”
Follow @Andrew_Clucas on Twitter for live updates from the clash, with team news from 2.30pm.
