Tough run of game won't faze Corinthians

Rothwell Corinthians celebrate their goal during last weekend's 3-1 defeat at Cogenhoe United. Picture by Dave Ikin

But joint-manager Shaun Sparrow insists having it tough is just how his team likes it.

Corinthians have endured a disappointing week or so as their FA Vase hopes were ended by a 2-1 home defeat to Tring Athletic in the second round before they suffered a 3-1 loss at Cogenhoe United in their return to league action last weekend.

But Sparrow says there is no panic within the Corinthians dressing-room.

“We are up against one of the form teams and maybe there won’t be as much expectation or pressure on us apart from what we put on ourselves,” he said.

“It’s a difficult time of year where the weather is turning and there may be breaks between matches.

“We are heading into a run of games that are going to be very hard.

“But that’s the way our boys like it.

“It was disappointing last weekend but it’s definitely not a case of panic stations.

“We definitely had something of a hangover from the FA Vase game and we were a bit short on numbers as well.

“The FA Vase was a good experience for us. I think there were more nerves than normal but that will be something we can learn from.

“We are disappointed because we have dropped six points against Cogenhoe this season.

“But we will brush that away and concentrate on what is in front of us.”

Jon Mitchell is hoping the results will start matching the performances as Wellingborough Town prepare for a trip to Boston Town in the UCL Premier Division tomorrow.

The Doughboys have endured a tough time of late and were on the end of a 7-0 defeat to leaders Peterborough Sports at the Dog & Duck last weekend, despite holding them at 0-0 for 40 minutes.

But Mitchell now believes his team are heading into a run of matches that could help get his team back on track.

“The results haven’t been great recently but we have played four of the top five in the last seven matches so it’s been a tough run,” Mitchell said.

“And while the scorelines haven’t reflected it, the lads have actually played well.

“But now we are going into a run of games where we would like to think we can pick up some positive results.

“We beat Boston earlier in the season and we will go there looking to pick up three points.”

Desborough Town will be bidding to maintain their lofty position in the UCL Premier Division when they take on rock-bottom Huntingdon Town at the Waterworks Field.

Ar Tarn, who booked themselves a place in the quarter-finals of the UCL Knockout Cup last weekend with a 2-0 home victory over Sleaford Town, moved back up to fourth place in the table on Wednesday night but they will be feeling they should have got more than a 3-3 draw at ON Chenecks.

Chris Bradshaw’s men led 2-0 with six minutes to go thanks to goals from Will Arnold and Jake Bettles.

Chenecks struck twice in the space of a minute to make it 2-2 but Bettles immediately restored their lead.

However, in a dramatic finish, the hosts levelled things up once again to seal a share of the spoils.

Two of the top teams in UCL Division One will battle it out for a place in the quarter-finals of the NFA Junior Cup this weekend.

Whitworth, who sit fourth in the league, entertain current leaders Daventry Town in the the third round.

Raunds Town face a tricky test against Northants Combination Premier Division high-flyers Roade at Kiln Park while Rushden & Higham United also have home advantage when they take on Silverstone.

In the league action, Thrapston Town face a tough test when they play second-placed Bugbrooke at Chancery Lane.

Elsewhere, Irchester United welcome fifth-placed Oakham United to Alfred Street while Burton Park Wanderers make the trip to Blackstones.