We’ve got to make the most of home comforts, insists Ward
LEEK Town’s assistant manager Peter Ward says Harrison Park must be turned into a fortress if they are to make a serious charge for promotion this season.
Blues have lost just twice at home in the league this season, 2-1 to Clitheroe in September and 1-0 to Atherton Collieries last month. And with two key games coming up in January against teams in the promotion frame, Ward insists it’s important the players make the most of home advantage.
Radcliffe, currently second in the table, arrive on January 12, and the month ends with the visit of leaders Runcorn Linnets.
Before those games however, there is the little matter of a big derby-day clash with local rivals Newcastle Town on New Year’s day.
“It’s a key period for us,” insists Ward. “These are the games we need to be winning at home if we are to be in the mix at the end of the season.”
Blues were on a run of four consecutive wins before they ran into Chasetown on Boxing Day. That game ended in a 1-1 draw, but even so, 13 points from five games is not a bad return.
However, Ward says the players were disappointed with the result.
He added: “It says a lot about the character of the players that they were disappointed with a draw away from home. But that’s the way they are and it’s a good attitude to have.
“We didn’t quite meet the standards we set in our previous four games, but Chasetown made things difficult for us as I knew they would.”
And Ward believes Newcastle will provide just as difficult a challenge on Tuesday afternoon (3pm). He said: “Newcastle didn’t get off to the best of starts to the season, but they have settled down well and picked up some big results along the way. They got a great draw at Runcorn, beat Mossley and showed their never-say-die attitude in their derby match with Kidsgrove on Boxing Day.”
Newcastle fell behind to a Kyle Diskin goal in the 91st minute, but Kidsgrove were made to pay for not clearing their lines when George Shaw popped in an equaliser in the 93rd minute. Ward said: “Newcastle are a good young side and are being coached the right way by Robin van der Laan and Dave Dale, so it’s going to be a tough one for us, derby matches invariably are. There’s a lot of pressure on the management and players to get a result. There’s local bragging rights at stake, so yes it’s a game both sides will be desperate to win.”
Ward reports no major injury concerns ahead of the game, although striker Tim Grice continues to be monitored as he nurses knee and ankle problems. Grice didn’t start at Chasetown, but replaced his replacement, Aaron Bott, on 66 minutes.
“We just have to be careful with Gricey, but fingers crossed he will be fine for the Newcastle game,” said Ward.
There was no starting place for Dan Trickett-smith either, but Ward insists his chance will come.
“Dan’s a great little player, but was out for a while through injury. The team was playing well but so it was difficult to bring him straight back in. It’s frustrating for the player, but we’ve got a good squad here at Leek and players will be disapppointed if they don’t start.”
Coming up Tue, Jan 1: Sat, Jan 5: Sat, Jan 12: Sat, Jan 18: Sat, Jan 26: MATCH REPORT: PAGE 35
Newcastle Town (h) Ramsbottom United (a) Radcliffe FC (h) Kidsgrove Athletic (a) Runcorn Linnets (h)