Ruislip & Eastcote & Northwood Gazette
Hughes looks to ‘tough’ Taunton match as play-off chase ‘hots up’
HAYES & Yeading United saw the weather postpone their game at Hendon on Saturday, just minutes before kick off, but with the majority of other games also off they remain firmly in the play-off spots.
Blackfield & Langley were due to visit the SkyEx Community Stadium on Tuesday and this weekend fellow promotion chasers Taunton Town are the visitors, a game manager Paul Hughes is looking forward to.
“The chase for the play-off spots hots up around February or March and we’ll all be jostling for position over the next few weeks,” Hughes said.
“The game on Saturday against Taunton becomes a very important game for both teams if either one of us wants to strengthen our hold in the top five.
“I’d say the pressure is off us because we have a good ‘run in’ compared to many teams in the top eight, but it’s important we capitalise on the games against the teams in and around us. No doubt the top teams will all drop points over the next couple of months because they’re all playing each other, but while we have things in our own hands, we want to take advantage of that, starting this weekend.
“We gave Taunton a very good game at their place earlier in the season and I felt we were unlucky not to take something from the game. I’d say we’re a stronger proposition now and a much meaner group. Mean in a nice way of course.
“There’s a more professional feel to us and a much more ruthless energy to our play. The strikers are taking their chances and the defenders are not giving the opposition much joy in open play. It gives us a real confidence going into games because those two basic elements are what win you football matches.
“I’m looking forward to the game and I hope the fans are too. I say this a lot – we need everyone behind the players, management and board to help us at this stage of the season. Every little percentage matters in this game.
“A positive and loud crowd will only push us on and give us that extra yard when we need it. I’m sure the local support will be there for us this Saturday.
“It will be a tough game and that extra energy will only help us.”
Wealdstone’s National League South fixture at Eastbourne Borough was also postponed due to weather safety concerns.