Fierce South Holland rivals Spalding United and Holbeach United square off in a hotly-anticipated friendly clash on Saturday (3pm) – but both camps insist tempers won’t flare.
The Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field showdown is the first meeting between the pair since 2013 – when the Tulips cruised to a 5-0 win over the Tigers en-route to winning the UCL Premier Division title.
That campaign signalled the end of a three-season stint that saw the rivalry between the two reach new heights in the UCL, as the pair won a title apiece.
It’s fair to say relations between the two clubs were far from “friendly” at one stage, but both are now looking forward to crossing swords again.
Spalding supremo Pat Rayment, who managed the Tulips throughout that intense period, feels the clubs have moved past any hostilities that once existed.
Although he regrets losing defender Jamie Stevens to Holbeach over the summer, he feels there is now a mutual respect between the old foes – although he isn’t sure many of his current players will have any knowledge of the rivalry.
“It’s a great fixture for both clubs,” said Rayment. “I’m sure they’re looking forward to it as much as we are.
“For us, it’s just another game. For them, I’m sure they’ll want to get one over us. That’s what I’m hoping, anyway.
“Perhaps the rivalry was unhealthy at one stage a few seasons back. Things got a little too much at times.
“But I see the rivalry as a healthy one now. It’s a game the fans will look forward to.
“Most of my side won’t know anything about Holbeach, so they’ll not treat it as anything more than it is – just another match.”
In contrast, Holbeach have amassed a side that boasts some of South Holland’s top footballing talents.
The likes of Stevens, Josh Ford, Andrew Tidswell, Tommy Treacher, Jonny Clay and Matt Warfield are very much aware of the history behind the fixture.
Also in that bracket is assistant boss Tom Roberts, who was part of the Spalding squad that won the UCL title in 2013. Alongside player/coach Tidswell, he’ll take charge of Tigers on Saturday.
And he doesn’t see the clash, often referred to as “the South Holland clasico”, as any more of a test than Holbeach’s other pre-season fixtures.
“I suppose it’s just another game,” said Roberts. “It’s still about getting our players minutes on the pitch.
“It’ll be a good test for the boys, but no tougher than Lincoln United will be.
“There will be a funny atmosphere really, as quite a lot of the lads have played there before.
“It’s a good game for the fans, hopefully there will be a good turnout.
“Overall I’m very happy with how pre-season has gone, so hopefully we’ll keep that going on Saturday.”
Spalding will still be missing defender Nathan Stainfield, while Holbeach are without Warfield and Danny Steadman. Winger Frazer Bayliss could feature for the Tigers, who are looking at signing him ahead of the new season.
- Josh Ford helped himself to a hat-trick on Saturday as Holbeach saw off Boston United under-21s 3-1 at Carter’s Park.
The friendly win ensured that the Tigers lifted the Gerald Starling Memorial Cup.
Ford was also on-target on Tuesday night, as Holbeach eased past Bourne Town 2-0 in another home test.
The striker notched his fifth pre-season goal from the penalty spot, with Jack Smith the other scorer.
This Tuesday night sees Holbeach host March Town, while Spalding play host to Boston Town (both 7.45pm).
