Dave Frecklington is hoping to end something of a personal hoodoo on Saturday.
The Spalding United supremo has never beaten Saturday’s opponents Chasetown as a manager – a record that now spans seven games over four years.
Frecklington drew six blanks against the side from The Scholars Ground during his time with former club Lincoln United.
That run was extended when the Tulips drew 1-1 at Chasetown on October 1, officially confirming them as Frecklington’s bogey side.
It’s a record that the Spalding boss wants to end at the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field (3pm), but he knows it’ll be tough.
“I’ve never beaten them as a manager,” bemoaned Frecklington, “I just don’t know what it is about them, but it’s seven games and four years now.
“It’s not a massively surprising stat, though. They are a very good side and are even stronger this year with a host of former Stafford Rangers players in their ranks.
“The lads know that they need to up their game. We were poor at Rugby Town for 60 minutes but pulled a win out of the bag. I want to see more from them all, an extra five per cent at least.”
Frecklington must do without the banned Neal Spafford, who starts a four-game ban. Jack Wightwick also misses out, but new loan signing Leon Mettam should feature.
The Tulips are also in action at AFC Rushden & Diamonds in the Integro League Cup on Tuesday night (7.45pm), with Frecklington adamant that he’ll field a full-strength side.
He added: “We’ll take a strong squad. It’s a competition we want to go as far as we can in.”
