Baker relishing the challenge of taking on leaders Runcorn
LEEK Town manager Neil Baker says he’s not too worried about falling behind with their Evo-stik West Division programme.
Blues have been involved in 10 cup ties already this season and that has resulted in the club having four and five games in hand over the teams above them.
They were in cup action again last night after drawing 0-0 at Stamford in the FA Trophy on Saturday and that meant the postponement of their league game at Radcliffe Borough.
Leek have played just eight league games, but Baker says there is still plenty of time to catch up.
“I would be more worried if we went into the last couple of months of the season with four or five games to catch up on, but it’s still fairly early in the season, so I don’t think it’s an issue at the moment,” said the manager who takes his team to leaders Runcorn Linnets on Saturday (3pm).
Linnets were promoted at the end of last season after winning the Hallmark Security League Premier Division title and have made a flying start to this season and have yet to lose a league game at their Millbank Linnets Stadium.
The club was only formed in 2006 by fans of the now defunct Runcorn FC and are managed by Craig Ellison, who actually resigned at the end of last season following promotion, but then changed his mind and decided to stay.
Baker says it’s going to be a big test for his players.
“Runcorn are going well at the moment, especially at home and it will be a good test for the lads.
“We look forward to games like this and if we can go there and get a result, then it will show we mean business this season,” said Baker.
Linnets were beaten 2-1 by Prescot Cables last time out, although they did have two men, Freddie Potter and Michael Simpson, sent off in the first half.
Leek will have last season’s leading scorer Tim Grice back in the frame after he came through 20 minutes of last weekend’s Trophy match at Stamford without any problems.
Grice has been nursing a hamstring injury, but replaced Aaron Bott after 70 minutes and Baker says he came through the 20 minutes without problems.
“It’s good news, Tim has been a big player for Leek Town over the last few seasons and any team would miss someone of his scoring ability,” said Baker who could also have Dan Trickett-smith available.
The former Crewe Alex and Liverpool youngster has been out with a groin injury, but has been making good progress and Baker says it will be good to have both players available again.
“We have missed Dan. Not only does he score goals, but he creates them as well. He’s a quality player and like Tim, it will be great to have him back in the fold,” added Baker.
Midfielder Sam Hall, however, is a slight doubt with an Achilles strain, but will be assessed closer to the Runcorn game.
■ TICKETS are still available for the club’s sportsman’s evening which features former goalkeeper Mark Crossley.
Crossley had spells with Nottingham Forest, Middlesbrough and Stoke City.
There will also be full support from comedian Rudi West and the price, which includes a meal, is £25 per person.
Anyone interested is asked to contact the club at leektown@ hotmail.com or telephone 07792 545499.