We’re in a good place, but we have to keep it going: Baker
LEEK Town toppled league leaders Radcliffe at the weekend, but manager Neil Baker says no-one can afford to rest on their laurels as they face a tough month of fixtures.
Blues won the game with goals from Aaron Bott (17) and Dan Trickett-smith (36) and although Radcliffe pulled a goal back in the 57th minute, Leek held on for the win, despite being down to 10 men for most of the second half when central defender Scott Lycett was sent off for a second yellow.
Lycett was back in the team after fellow centre-half Billy Sass-davies was recalled by Crewe Alexandra and then loaned out to FC United of Manchester.
It was a battling display by Blues, especially when down to 10 men, and Baker said every player deserves credit.
“We were up against it in the last 20 minutes or so when they started to throw everything at us, but we stood up to the challenge. It was disappointing to lose Scott to a second booking when they were very physical all match. I thought if any team was going to have a player sent off it was Radcliffe.
“I spoke to the players at half-time and told them to keep their discipline and not to get intimidated, but in a heated moment Scott kicked the ball away following a free-kick and got himself a second booking. It was a daft thing to do, but in contrast to what the referee was letting Radcliffe get away with, it was very disappointing and we will lose him for Saturday’s game against Kidsgrove Athletic.”
Baker indicated he may look to bring in a centre-half as cover, but Lycett’s absence could open the door for Darren Chadwick. He replaced striker Aaron Bott and took over in central defence in place of Lycett.
“It’s something I will look at during the week,” said Baker who said several players were nursing bumps and bruises after the Radcliffe game and who passed up an opportunity to watch Saturday’s opponents Kidsgrove Athletic last night, to take stock of the situation during a training session.
“There will be someone at the Kidsgrove game for me, but I need to be at the ground to assess the extent of our injury situation. That’s my priority at the moment.”
Striker Tim Grice was not risked at the weekend. He was an unused sub and could be ready for Saturday. Baker explained: “I didn’t need Tim in the end. The extra week will allow his knee to recover. I didn’t need him because Aaron Bott had a good game. He took his goal well. It was a tap-in, but I love to see tap-in goals. That’s where I want my centre-forwards to be, inside that six-yard box.”
Kidsgrove were in Staffs Senior Cup action last night against Tamworth and although the Grove are down in 12th spot, Baker believes it’s a false position.
“Kidsgrove are a better team than their situation in the table suggests. Their home form may not look great on paper, but I don’t take too much notice of that, it’s what happens on the day. I’m sure their manager will have the players well up for this game.”
After the Kidsgrove game, Leek play Runcorn and Atherton, two teams in the top three and who Leek have already lost to this season.
“It’s going to be a big test for us over the next few weeks, but it’s a challenge the management team and players are looking forward to. Bring it on and let’s see where we are at the end of February. We are in a good place at the moment, confidence is good and we are playing some great football.”
Coming up
Sat Jan 19: Kidsgrove Athletic (a)
Sat Jan 26: Runcorn Linnets (h)
Sat Feb 2: Atherton Colls (a)
Sat Feb 9: Trafford (a)
Tue Feb 12: Radcliffe (a)
Sat Feb 16: Colne (h)
Sat Feb 23: Widnes (a)