Billingham Stars can’t afford to take their foot off the gas when they entertain bottom-of-the-table Manchester Minotaurs in the National League (North) Moralee Division One tomorrow (6.30pm face-off).
It’s been a season to forget so far for Manchester - no points and a minus 89 goal difference tells its own story, with a heavy defeat to local rivals Blackburn last Sunday the latest blow.
The reintroduction of promotion and relegation this season means that barring a miracle they will be playing Division Two hockey next September.
Manchester have not travelled well this season, typically with fewer than three lines, and a home game against Blackburn tonight will further eat into their stamina ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Billingham Forum.
The Stars, meanwhile, are buoyant after thrashing North East neighbours Whitley Warriors 8-1 last Sunday, which catapulted them up to third in the table and went a long way to restoring confidence after a series of Challenge Cup defeats
They’ll be at virtual full strength for Manchester’s visit, with only long-term absentees Jack Davies, Garry Dowd and Jamie Pattison missing.
Director of coaching Terry Ward wants to see a continuation of the intensity shown by his side last Sunday.
“It’s always good to put one over the Warriors but to do it in that manner has really set us up for the rest of the campaign,” he said.
“All the guys put a great shift in and that’s what we need again this weekend.
“Manchester have had a torrid time of it this season, but we do not expect them to just roll over.
“We have a full squad and we will not be letting up.
“We have some massive games over the next few weeks, starting with this one, and we need to bring that intensity to every single match, regardless of the opponent.
“We need to be on our guard on Sunday, but I fully expect us to win and win well.
“If we play like we did against Whitley then I believe we can beat any team in our league.
“We knew that we were capable of that sort of performance, and it was great to see it finally come together.
“Now we just need to keep up the momentum.”
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