Walker sets in-form Thrapston a top-six target

Town have put together a 10-match unbeaten run that’s lifted them up to eighth in the ChromaSport & Trophies United Counties League Division One going into the Easter weekend fixtures.

They host Olney Town tomorrow (Saturday) and travel to runaway leaders Peterborough Sports on Monday.

Thrapston also have to face promotion challengers ON Chenecks (twice) and Stewarts & Lloyds before the end of the season, but Walker says his players are full of confidence with the top six is within reach.

“That’s our aim,” said the Chancery Lane boss.

“We are on a good run, confidence is high and we are looking forward to every game.

“We do have tough games between now and the end of the season, but the way we are playing, we don’t fear anyone.

“I’ve set the players a target and I know they will work hard to reach it.

“To finish in the top six would be a fantastic achievement, bearing in mind where we were when we started.”

Walker returned to Chancery Lane in December with Thrapston in the doldrums after taking one point from their previous five games.

Since then, they have been beaten only once in 14 matches by Sports, who are closing in on the title.

Walker added: “When we played them earlier, you could see why they were running away with the league.

“They have quality players throughout the squad and it’s a big challenge for us on Monday.

“We have to be sensible against them. We have to decide the best way to take them on.”

Walker reckons his side will be challenging at the top next season.

He said: “From what I’ve seen, this squad can be in contention for promotion next season.

“I just hope we can keep the team together.

“Players will always have ambitions to play at a higher level but Thrapston is a good place to be at the moment.”

Stewart & Lloyds’ hopes of gaining promotion received a boost last weekend as their 1-0 win over Buckingham Town was coupled with a 2-1 defeat for second-placed ON Chenecks at Potton United.

The Foundrymen host bottom side Burton Park Wanderers tomorrow before entertaining Oakham United on Monday.

Irchester United ended their losing streak with a 1-0 win over Olney Town on Tuesday night thanks to Sam Dengel’s goal.

The Romans host Chenecks tomorrow before they go to Whitworth for an Easter Monday derby (11.30am).

Rushden & Higham United host Blackstones tomorrow while Raunds Town go to Lutterworth Athletic.

The Shopmates and the Lankies then face each other in a local derby at Kiln Park next Tuesday night.