DROITWICH Spa joint boss Wayne Oliver has urged his side to keep hold of their Presidents Cup defence as they look to start the New Year in winning style.
Spa play in the quarter-finals of the cup competition when they take on local rivals Barnt Green Spartak tomorrow (Saturday, 1.30pm) for a place in the semi-finals.
Droitwich, who won the competition last season, go into the game off the back of impressive league wins against local rivals Fairfield Villa and Earswood Town.
The Saltmen were due to play league leaders Alvis Sporting Club at home on Bank Holiday Monday but the referee postponed the game before kick-off due to a frozen pitch.
Oliver told the Standard it was important for his team to keep up their winning form.
“We go into the game having had a very good Christmas period and we want to continue that,” he said.
“It was great to get those wins on the board and I’ve told the players that I would like us to win on Saturday and reach the Presidents Cup semi-finals.
“It was disappointing that we could not get our match on against Alvis Sporting Club but it has given us more time to recover after a busy period.
“Barnt Green Spartak are always a tough side to beat and we won’t be expecting any different this time around. We know the players and staff there very well.
“If we can keep progressing in the cup then that will hopefully help our league form but defeat won’t be the be all and end all.”
Hot-shot Droitwich striker James Lemon remains a huge doubt after he pulled a quad muscle in his leg last month.
Lemon has been used in parts during the recent games but Oliver admiited he is still struggling with the injury.
Oliver added: “We tried James out against Earlswood but had to bring him off after 20 minutes because he was struggling so much. ”
Asked about the club’s ambitions for 2017, Oliver said the club’s priority is to try and secure promotion from Midland Football league Division Two.
“Winning a cup would be nice but our priority is to try and finish in the top two of the league.
“At the moment we are looking like a top five side so we are looking to push on as we approach the business end of the season.”
