TIGERS: Tidswell talks up his team
GOALS GALORE: Andrew Tidswell, pictured en route to one of his 22 goals this season.
Holbeach United are perfectly positioned for their first UCL Premier Division title in a decade – and the goals of Andrew Tidswell have played a huge part in that.
The 22-goal striker helped himself to a hat-trick against Shepshed Dynamo last Saturday as the Tigers maintained their three-point advantage over St Ives and Quorn at the summit.
But Tidswell, widely recognised as one of the best attackers on the local scene, told the Spalding Guardian that it’s all very much about the team at Carter’s Park.
“The service has been unbelievable,” admitted Holbeach’s leading scorer. “Tommy Treacher showed that on Saturday, while there’s also the likes of Mitch Griffiths, Jonny Allen and the boys in the middle who make it easy for me.
“I may get the headlines, but the back five are unsung heroes – we have the best defence in the league. Jacko (Adam Jackson), Browny (Ben Brown), Jack (Smith) and Jamma (Jamie Stevens) really put their bodies on the line for the team. That’s been the biggest difference from last season and is why we’re winning more games.”
It’s easy to forget that the Tigers were something of a crisis club when current boss John Chand took over almost three years ago. With little or time to put a squad together, Holbeach did well to finish 17th in 2010/11.
Last season they improved markedly, placing fifth in the league and lifting the Lincs FA Senior Shield. With that in mind, it’s perhaps no surprise that the Tigers sit top of the pile this time around.
Tidswell, who signed before the start of last season, is quick to pay tribute to the progress made by the current regime.
He said “We are in a great position in the title race and there’s no denying that everyone wants to be where we are.
“Three years ago the club was in a relegation fight, so to be up there challenging at the right end is a testament to the hard work the manager and two coaches do for the club.
“The greatest praise I can give them is that everyone in the dressing room talks about the fantastic job that John Chand, Dean Elston and Phil Barnes have done for this club.
“The most consistent team will win the league. Let’s hope we are still there come April.”
Next up for the Tigers is a trip to struggling Wellingborough Town on Saturday (3pm), with boss Chand having a full squad at his disposal.
A massive 45 points separate the two teams in the table, but Chand is refusing to take the Doughboys lightly.
He said: “I’ll make sure the lads are focused. On paper it’s a game we should win, but I refuse to get complacent. Craig Adams is a top manager and he’ll have them up for the game.”
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Weather for Spalding
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 4 C to 15 C
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