In-form Louth Town all set for trip to leaders Clipstone
Louth Town extended their unbeaten run to six games at the weekend ahead of this Saturday's ultimate challenge away at UCL Division One leaders Clipstone.
A 2-0 win over Stapleford Town pulled them six points clear of the drop zone with two games in hand.
But Clipstone's 1-0 loss to West Bridgford Colts on Saturday was their first league defeat of the campaign, winning 15 and drawing one of their other 16 games.
Louth boss Carl Martin said: “Clipstone are flying at the minute and Saturday's loss was their first of the season.
“They are the team in form and the side most fancied to go up automatically. They also had a good run in the FA Cup.
“So it will be a really good test for us, but hopefully we can continue our good form and bring back the three points.”
A scrappy, even first half against Stapleford ended with no goals and Louth surviving a sin-bin for Jack McSpadden.
Theo Kitt-Bushell broke through from the spot on 75 minutes before Bailey Wright doubled the lead with a deflected finish on 82 minutes after good work by Kian Harrold.
Louth keeper Stan Simons saved a Max Taylor penalty five minutes later to preserve a clean sheet.
“It was another valuable three points against a side up there in the play-off places and kept up our good run and form,” said Martin.
“First half it was two in-form teams cancelling each other out.
“I am not one to berate referees but first half it was stop-start with free kicks and bookings – the same for both sides – and neither team could really get a foothold. Thankfully he did a lot better after the break.
“Jack McSpadden was sin-binned hear the end of the half. That rocked us and we had to change shape, so I was pleased how the lads dug in and did well with 10 men. Second half we took the game to them and probably shaded it overall.
“Theo put us in front with his penalty and Bailey, who has just come back to the club, backed that up with a late second before Stan saved a penalty to keep us a clean sheet. We are in a really good place at the moment.”
On Tuesday Louth head to NCEL Premier side Barton Town - a step above the White Wolves - in the Lincolnshire Senior Trophy Quarter-Finals.
“Barton are doing well in the NCEL Premier, so that will be another good test,” said Martin. “Having reached the final last year we want to do well again, but it is a tough ask and we will need to rotate some players again and give it a right good go.”