Herbert – Race for the title back on once again
● CHRIS HERBERT believes the Hallmark Security League Premier Division title race is “wide open” after City of Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with 1874 Northwich last weekend.
The Purples have now taken one point from their last two games and Runcorn – who lost out in a 5-4 thriller to Newcastle Benfied in the FA Vase third round last Saturday – could move within nine points of the leaders this week.
Herbert said: “City of Liverpool have dropped a few points and it’s opened it up for everybody else. We feel like the league is wide open now.
“It’s mad. We’ve had the same situation [last season] where it completely went on us and we just couldn’t pick results up. It’s wide open. That’s how I’m seeing it. It’s wide open for us all.
“We’re out the cup now. We’re scoring goals and making silly mistakes at the minute but we’re back in the league race now.
“We’re in with a shot and that’s what we have to concentrate on. For us, it’s all about putting ourselves back in the title race. That’s what we want and it’s there for us to do. We’re champing at the bit. I feel so positive about it now because of what we’re doing. The little changes and the positivity from the lads when we’re having a chat about what we’re looking to do, we’re feeling positive about it now.”
Herbert also confirmed two new signings – with one more to potentially follow – as as he looks to shore up his back-line ahead of this Saturday’s clash with Silsden.
Town have lost five of their last seven games in all competitions – shipping a disappointing 20 goals in that period – and the manager admitted he has lost patience with several of his players.
“Some of the lads have gotten a little stale at the minute so we’ll take them out of the equation for the minute and freshen things up,” he added.
“I’ve got lads sitting on the bench that I’ve not given a chance to and I’ve stuck by the lads who’ve been in but the results haven’t been right.
“We’ve lost five in seven. That’s bottom of the league form. I can’t leave it like that. I’ll make those changes that will hopefully give us a little boost and a little more energy. We know we’ve got it there. We’ve got Charlie Ennis on-loan from Buxton, Morgan Bacon, a goalkeeper, from Stafford on loan and we’re bringing in a centrehalf over the next couple of days.”
Town’s game at home to Silsden on Saturday kicks-off at 3pm. Runcorn also have home advantage next Wednesday night when Padiham are the visitors to the Viridor Community Stadium. The match has a 7.45pm kick-off time.