Boss remains upbeat despite two points lost

Some may consider it two points dropped, but Skegness Town boss Nick Chapman remained upbeat after being held to a draw by fellow Lincolnshire League title chasers Wyberton.

The Lilywhites and Wyberton trail league leaders Sleaford Town Reserves by 10 points as they approach the half way stage of the campaign.

So sharing the spoils was not an ideal result for either side.

But taking into account his selection problems for this difficult trip, Chapman remained philosophical.

“It could have been worse. I took heart from the performance,” he said.

“At times we bossed the game, we just need to convert those chances.”

Chapman had to make a number of changes from the side that was knocked out of the county cup at Epworth.

Will Britton, Courtney Warren and Matt Veall were unavailable and Josh Bartlett was injured.

James Lambley returned between the sticks, Ben Drysdale slotted in at right back and Arron Scutt came back to the squad after suspension.

The first half finished goalless with both sides struggling to play any quality football on a difficult surface.

In terms of possession, the seasiders edged it and seven minutes after the break they took the lead.

A move involving Miles Chamberlain and Luke Rayner-Mistry was finished off by Scutt slotting home from close range.

The advantage lasted about 10 minutes before former Skegness United player Louis Saebe levelled the scores.

Town continued to be solid at the back, with Jamie Epton particularly outstanding at left back, but they could find the winning goal.

“Yes, I was disappointed not to have secured the win,” said Chapman after the final whistle.

“But I still think there will be plenty of twists and turns before the end of the season.”

In his view, as well as the Lilywhites and Wyberton, sides like Hykeham Town and Lincoln Railway will have a say in the title.

TOWN: Lambley, Drysdale, Epton, Scutt, Chamberlain, L. Parker, Rayner-Mistry, Davison, Smith, Hurst, M. Parker, Howland, Nichols, Shelley.

It is the Railmen who visit Burgh Road on Saturday (kick-off 2pm), having climbed into second place in the table since their 9-1 drubbing at the hands of the seasiders earlier in the season.

“They’ve strengthened since we played them at their place, so we expect a tougher game this time,” said Chapman.

Town have injury doubts over Chamberlain (groin) and Bartlett (back), but Courtney Warren and Will Britton are expected to return to the squad.