It’s time to stand up and be counted – that’s the rallying call Market Drayton Town boss Simon Line will put to his men tomorrow as they face Sheffield FC at the start of a punishing programme of five games in 17 days – all against clubs in the top third of the UniBond League South table.
Football’s Lady Luck, who has played all manner of tricks on Drayton throughout their troubled debut season in the UniBond, has now handed them arguably the toughest run-in of the campaign.
“There’s no hiding place for any of us from here on in,” warned Line. “It’s a very, very demanding finish to the season and we’ve all got to stand up and be counted.”
Line, whose squad strength is now so stretched he named himself as sub for Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat by Loughborough Dynamo, explained: “Our next five games are against teams in the top seven in the league, including three of the top four. “Saturday’s result did not help our confidence but now’s the time for us all to dig deep, stick our chests out and get on with it.”
Hopes for tomorrow were not helped by news from the treatment room that Ashley Bird is out with a groin strain for “several” weeks and Jason Francis’s ankle injury will again keep him sidelined. But Line hopes to have flying winger Stuart Ellis back and there’s an outside chance Francis could return for Tuesday night’s big derby trip to Chasetown.
Line also takes comfort from the way Town responded to having defensive strong man Paul McMullen sent off in the crucial incident that gave Loughborough’s Neil Morgan a 62nd minute penalty opener.
“The lads fought back tremendously well; there was a lot of effort and they never gave up,” he said. “They showed a lot of heart and character and if we can continue to find that sort of spirit in the matches ahead, no-one could ask for more and we’ll know we’ve done our best.”
Ironically, McMullen’s departure for a clash with Carl Adams, triggered Town’s best attacking moments. Their 10 men looked more like 12 as Tom Rogers sent a volley dipping just wide while Martyn Davies hit the bar and saw another fine shot headed off the line by Alton Pennells.
Even Loughborough’s second, from Reece Lester on 80 minutes, failed to kill them off.
It was a marked contrast to the opening hour or so, enlivened only by a couple of fine saves by Town keeper Steve Taylor from Alex Johnson and Karl Noble.
After tomorrow’s home UniBond League South game against fourth-placed Sheffield FC, Town visit Chasetown (seventh) on Tuesday evening, host Glapwell (second) the following Saturday, go to Witton Albion (sixth) on Good Friday and entertain runaway league leaders Mickleover on Easter Monday.
If that wasn’t enough, they then face three consecutive long-distance league trips to Brigg Town in North Lincs, Shepshed in Leicestershire and Carlton, near Nottingham.
By Terry Morris
