BAKER SEEING SIGNS OF LEEK’S ABILITY AS THEY PREPARE FOR TROPHY TEST
NEIL Baker says Leek Town are gradually clicking in to gear after an inconsistent start to the season.
Blues have won all three home games in the Northern Premier League South East Division, but have picked up just one point from two away outings.
They also saw their interest in the FA Cup ended by Mickleover Sports in the second qualifying round, although they appear to have brushed off that disappointment.
Their last two league matches - both at home - have seen them thrash Market Drayton 6-0 and beat Cleethorpes Town 3-2 last weekend.
“It’s been an up-and-down start and we’ve not been fluent,” said manager Baker.
“We’ve played well at times, but haven’t been consistent enough. The signs have been there in the past two games, though.
“Market Drayton was not a big test for us, although we did play well against Cleethorpes on Saturday.
“Away from home we didn’t perform in the defeat at Kidsgrove, and that’s not taking anything away from them because they did a job on us.
“At Sutton Coldfield (Leek drew 1-1) we could have won by as many as we did against Market Drayton.
“We played well apart from the last third of the pitch. There were goalmouth scrambles and shots cleared off the line, but that’s bad play from us because we didn’t take our chances.
“But I’m not too concerned about our away form.”
Baker admits that last season’s exploits, which saw Leek top the table and seemingly on course for promotion before the campaign was declared null and void because of the coronavirus pandemic, have increased expectations.
He also believes that the packed scheduled, with increased midweek matches, has also played a part so far.
“Expectations are high and that’s expected after what happened last season,” explained Baker.
“But every year you look at the levels and there’s surprise results, including in our league.
“No-one would have predicted some of the results we saw on Tuesday night. Teams are winning by four one week and losing by six the next.
“I think it’s a sign of the times. You don’t know what the players are going through at home with the coronavirus pandemic and how it is affecting them.
“There’s also the fact that we’re playing Saturday-tuesdaySaturday, which can also take it’s toll.”
Leek take a break from league action tomorrow as they begin their FA Trophy campaign.
It’s going to be an early start for Baker and his squad as they head to Cambridgeshire to take on Histon.
Baker concedes that it is a balancing act for him selectionwise as he looks to juggle his squad and also give Blues the best chance to pocket the prize money and make progress.
“The FA competitions are important to us financially,” he added. “Our priority is the league, but runs in the cup are a bonus and they not only bring money in but also breed confidence.
“With there being no Staffs Senior Cup or League Cup this season, I’ve got to look at the team we put out. We have a decent squad and after telling them they are all part of it, I’ve got to give them opportunities.
“I was criticised after leaving Tim Grice and Rob Stevenson out of the FA Cup tie against Mickleover, but them not playing wasn’t why we lost the game.
“The players that we brought in did well and I’ve said that when you have an opportunity you need to take it.”
Baker hasn’t been able to watch Histon, who play in the Isthmian League, in the flesh, but has been casting his eye over reports about what lies in wait.
Changes are inevitable for the Leek squad as the manager juggles the hectic schedule.
Defender Jessy Bavanganga pulled up in the warm-up last
Saturday and will be assessed, while Jack Wakefield is rated as doubtful after picking up a knock in the same fixture.
Influential forward Rob Stevenson was also forced off with a hamstring injury and Baker admits he would be “surprised” if he is fit to take part tomorrow.
However, Matt Bell returns to the squad after being unavailable for the Cleethorpes win.