Lankies won't get ahead of themselves, says boss Abbott

The Lankies have won their last five matches with the four they won in November being enough to earn Abbott the manager-of-the-month award.

It’s a run of form that has helped catapult them into the second promotion place behind leaders Pinchbeck United.

Abbott’s team reached the halfway point in their campaign with a 4-0 success at Long Buckby last weekend and are now preparing to take on Olney Town at Hayden Road tomorrow (Saturday).

But with Buckingham Town and Raunds Town, who play each other in a big game at Kiln Park this weekend, snapping away at their heels, the Lankies boss is keen to keep his players’ feet on the ground.

He said: “Don’t get me wrong, we have probably had an easier run than some teams. We have still got to play a lot of the clubs around us.

“So there is no way we are getting ahead of ourselves, we are keeping our feet firmly on the ground.

“But, at the same time, I think every game in this league is winnable – not just for us but for every team.

“You can only try to beat what is put in front of you and that’s what we are trying to do.

“We will just keep going. We are halfway through the season, we are in the mix and we haven’t got anything to lose.”

Abbott, meanwhile, believes competition for places in his squad have made the big difference this season and he has also tipped some of his younger players to go on to bigger and better things.

“We have got competition for places,” Abbott added.

“That’s something we didn’t have last season and, because of that, I don’t think we ever really gave it 100 per cent.

“But we have competition in every position this time and the players know they have to play for their shirts.

“And the other pleasing thing about the squad is that we have some young players who I think will end up playing at a higher standard.

“It’s great that I have got a chance to work with them at this stage, it’s massive for me personally.”

Irchester United made it five games without defeat in all competitions on Tuesday as they drew 0-0 with Potton United at Alfred Street.

The Romans head to Bourne Town this weekend while Thrapston Town take on Bugbrooke at Chancery Lane tonight (Friday) .

Burton Park Wanderers head to Blackstones tomorrow while bottom markers Stewarts & Lloyds host Melton Town at Occupation Road.

Desborough Town return to the reality of the UCL Premier Division following their exploits in the FA Vase when they head to struggling Sleaford Town this weekend .

Rothwell Corinthians claimed a fine 2-1 win over Boston Town last Saturday but face a tough trip to second-placed Holbeach United tomorrow.

Holbeach won 6-0 at Whitworth last time out and the Flourmen will bid to bounce back at Yaxley this weekend while Wellingborough Town host St Andrews after losing out 1-0 at Eynesbury Rovers last Saturday.