Oliver: Bank Holiday fixtures could define our season - The Droitwich Standard

Oliver: Bank Holiday fixtures could define our season

Droitwich Editorial 24th Aug, 2016 Updated: 17th Oct, 2016   0

DROITWICH SPA joint-boss Wayne Oliver has labelled the Bank Holiday weekend fixtures as key games which could define the Saltmen’s season.

Following a week off from footballing matters, Oliver’s side travel to Bloxwich Town on Saturday in the opening round of the Les James Challenge Cup, a side they met in the opening stage of the Presidents Cup last year when they were formerly known as Rostance Edwards.

On that day, Spa won 3-1 at the King George Playing Fields thanks to goals from Macauley Finch, James Lemon and Haydn Morris.

The Saltmen then entertain local rivals and new-look Fairfield Villa in Midland League Division Two on Bank Holiday Monday.




Ahead of a tough batch of fixtures, Oliver told the Standard both games will play a huge part in their season.

He said: “We’re really up for Saturday’s game and we will be looking to give it a good go against a side we faced in the opening round of the Presidents Cup last season.


“After winning two pieces of silverware last season we are looking to equal or even better that so we want to get a positive result.

“Then we have a very tough game on Monday against Fairfield who have got their old side back so they know the score.

“Fairfield probably go into this game as favourites as they’ve had a good start but we’ll see what happens on the day.

“They’re going to be up for it and so are we and it’s an important clash because the priority for us is to go one better than last season’s league finish.

“August is a funny month but we need to be up there by the end of it if we want to stand any chance of fighting for promotion.”

Oliver and joint-boss Mark Owen have been dealt a hammer-blow prior to the Bank Holiday weekend games as defender Mike Seeley and midfielder Graham Pardoe face up to six to eight weeks on the sidelines with ankle injuries.

Max Crisp will also be unavailable as he’s away on holiday but Adam Granger returns.

“It’s a massive blow for us having both Matt and Graham out for a long period of time,” Oliver added.

“Both players are key to keeping the backbone of the squad together as they’re vastly experienced so they’ll be sorely missed.

“However, having Adam back is pleasing and we’re looking forward to this weekend’s fixtures.”

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