Pace ace Charlie Kearns is backing Spalding Town to upset the odds in their Lincs ECB Premier League derby at his former club Market Deeping on Saturday.
Title hopefuls Deeping go into the Outgang Road clash (noon) in third place, just 14 points behind table-toppers Bourne.
Spalding were edged out by another of the league’s big-hitters Bracebridge Heath last weekend, but remain bang in the hunt for a top six finish.
They got a winning draw against Deeping on the first day of the season – but Kearns thinks they can improve on that against a side he has a lot of respect for.
He said: “I always enjoy playing Deeping, they are a good bunch.
“They obviously taught me a lot while I was there and I still get on with them all.
“I still don’t feel like there is a clear favourite to win the league. If we can’t, I would love to see Deeping win it.
“I think they have the players to do so without a doubt. Just like anyone it this league though, they are beatable – so I still fancy our chances of getting a win.”
Towering fast bowler Kearns, who has taken 17 wickets at an average of 20.23 in the county top flight, added that he wants to get stuck into Deeping’s top order.
He said: “I have felt in good form with the new ball and have been taking wickets early on – which always puts you in a good position.
“Hopefully I can grab a few this week and put some pressure on their middle order.
“Win, lose or draw it will be a tough game played hard but in good spirit, which can be a refreshing change in comparison to some of the other games.”
