It’s crunch time for Holbeach United’s ChromaSport UCL Premier Division title hopes on Saturday as they make the trip to unbeaten Kempston Rovers (3pm).
The Tigers, currently fifth in the table, are ten points behind the second-placed Walnut Boys with two games in hand ahead of the first meeting between the pair this season.
Tom Roberts’ side do come into the showdown a little undercooked, having seen last weekend’s home game with Kirby Muxloe rained off.
Indeed, they’ve only played once in 2016 so far – and that was a deflating 2-1 Carter’s Park defeat against lowly Rothwell Corinthians on January 16.
Holbeach chief Roberts admits that his side need to get back out on the field and is confident they can put a run together. But he’s warned his players to beware the talent and resilience of a
Kempston side that have won 16 and drawn eight of their 24 league matches so far.
“This is a very big game for us to come back to,” admitted the player/boss. “Kempston are a very resilient side and one of the title favourites.
“You only have to look at last weekend, they beat Wisbech 2-1 with a late goal despite being down to ten men.
“We’ll certainly have to match that spirit and togetherness they obviously have. We just need to get back out on the pitch. The past month or so has been far from ideal with fixtures off and players missing.
“I’m not sure how any other side in the league would have dealt with our selection problems.
“Despite the games being postponed, nothing much has changed for us. We’re still fifth – and if we win our games in hand we’ll be right back in the mix. We’re still in a strong position and I’m confident we’ve got the ability to put a run together.”
Roberts will have to do without suspended skipper Jamie Stevens and banned striker Tom Gosling at Kempston, but will have new signings Sean Coughlan and Jenk Acer available.
The young frontmen are on short-term deals, with Coughlan on an initial one-month loan from The Football CV Academy and Acer on a work experience deal from Lincoln City.
There could be a third fresh face involved too, with Roberts hopeful that he’ll be able to get a deal for Boston Town striker Alex Beck over the line. A seven-day approach went in for Beck, who played for the Tigers a number of years ago under former boss Shaun Keeble, last week.
He’s got 15 goals in 30 appearances for the Poachers this season – and Roberts feels he’s done all he can to convince him to make a return to Carter’s Park.
“The ball is in Alex’s court,” added the Holbeach chief. “We’ve spoken about the move and hopefully he’ll give me an answer before the weekend.
“He’s quick, strong and would really add to our attacking options. I do know Boston are a tight-knit group, so if he decides to stay I’d understand. But we’re hopeful he’ll decide to sign for us.”
The Tigers’ attacking options will be further boosted next week, with the prolific Josh Ford returning from a month away in Australia on Monday. Roberts added that he’s in regular contact with fellow frontman Tommy Treacher and hopes he’ll be available for selection again in around a month.
