FOOTBALL: Tigers aiming to be snow stoppers
Snow play? This was the scene at Holbeach United's Carter's Park on Wednesday. Photo (MIKE DAVISON): SG080212-10MD
HOLBEACH United are vowing to do everything they can to get Saturday’s ‘South Holland clasico’ with Spalding United on.
The recent cold snap has decimated every local sporting fixture this week, including the Tigers’ Lincs FA Senior Trophy semi-final at Bourne Town – which had been scheduled for last night.
Although Carter’s Park is still totally submerged in snow – and more landed on Thursday night – Holbeach boss John Chand is adamant that his team will be fully prepared.
The Tigers are gagging for the UCL Premier Division clash (3pm) to go ahead as they boast a full-strength squad. That includes star striker Andrew Tidswell, who has returned from his trial with professional Finnish outfit SJK after rejecting their offer of a contract.
Chand said: “We couldn’t be in better shape, absolutely everyone is raring to go.
“It’s a bonus to have Tidswell back. He obviously impressed them and was offered a deal for the season, but I don’t think it was tempting enough for him to up sticks and go there.
“We’re all preparing as if the match would go ahead and I know everyone at the club wants to get the game on.
“Spalding have obviously changed managers lately and I’m sure they’re looking at next season. I must admit I was shocked to see them let Simon Mowbray leave, I saw him as their biggest threat.
“Obviously Ricky Miller has gone there and Greg Smith can score goals, so we’ll show them the respect they deserve.”
Tulips boss Pat Rayment is less optimistic about the plight of his first derby in charge.
The former Deeping Rangers manager has yet to see his new charges collect a point from his two games in the hot-seat – and admits the weather has stalled his progress over the past seven days.
Rayment, who is unfazed by the potential derby date, has managed to snap up Sleaford Town’s Simon Bolland, but the midfielder is unavailable for this weekend’s trip.
The Spalding supremo said: “Derby games are for the fans and their local bragging rights, it’s just another game for me.
“I don’t imagine it’ll go ahead though, I just can’t see it. It’s been impossible to get a training venue this week too.
“When we do finally play them we’ll have to go out there and perform, Holbeach are a good side.
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to next season. I’ve spoken to some high-profile names and the responses have been very encouraging. I have big plans for this club.”
Spalding and Holbeach have clashed twice already this season, with the honours even so far.
The Tulips took the spoils 2-0 in the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field reverse, with Smith and Mowbray getting the goals.
It was a different story in the League Cup though, with Luke Kennedy and Tidswell firing the Tigers to a 2-0 triumph at Spalding.
Follow @LFPSport on Twitter for updates on the fixture, with a pitch inspection set to take place at 10.30am on Saturday.
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Weather for Spalding
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: East
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