DROITWICH Spa joint-boss Wayne Oliver says promotion talk has been avoided prior to their huge clash against Paget Rangers next week.
The Saltmen travel to Boldmere-based Rangers on Tuesday knowing a victory at the Trevor Brown Memorial Ground will guarantee a top two finish in Midland League Division Two.
Table-topping Spa would move on to 66 points with a win, and Paget, currently in fifth, could then only get to a maximum of 63 points while second placed Redditch Borough can only claim a maximum of 64 points.
If Spa win it would be the first time in their 32-year history that they would be promoted to Division One.
But with so much at stake joint-boss Oliver told the Standard securing promotion is a topic which is being avoided.
“We have not spoke about it as a group even though it’s all in the back of our minds,” he said.
“When me and Mark [Owen] came to Droitwich we said it was going to be a five-year project and to be in the top three for the past two seasons is well in advance of our expectations.
“Paget themselves have as much one the game as we do so it’s either going to be an end-to-end clash or a dour affair.
“We have just got to go play our style of football and if we on it from the off we should be able to get the job done.”
Spa have had a fortnight off from league action but the players have been in training on Monday and are set to train today (Thursday).
The group will have another session on Saturday as well a light programme on Monday in preparation for their big game.
But Oliver admitted the players are already feeling the pressure of securing a top two place.
“I think over the last three games the players have let the pressure get to them a little,” he added.
“And that showed against Redditch Borough a couple of weeks ago because they beat us comfortably and then at Sutton United we were far from our best.
“With the whole situation which is ahead of us the players are certainly feeling the pressure.
“But the lads are ready for the challenge and test which lies ahead so we will see how it all pans out.”
Midfielder Max Crisp and forward Macauley Finch, who are both suspended, will be the only absentees for Tuesday’s game.
Spa are running a free supporters bus for the game at Paget and anyone interested in going should email [email protected] or call 07581 515004.
