Daisy Hill are back in action tomorrow night in the North West Counties League First Division North when they host local rivals Atherton LR at the Plumb Factory Stadium (7.45pm).
A blank Saturday last weekend has given the squad a chance to recharge the batteries for the derby clash and the publicity surrounding the recent appointment of social media content creator Aaron Hunt as Daisy Hill chairman, added to the local interest in the game, is likely to result in the biggest home crowd of the season.
But Daisy boss Lee Hill is keen to keep the focus on footballing matters on the field.
“It’s been a bit frantic around the club with all the publicity over the last couple of weeks, but our job is on the pitch and it’s important we focus on that,” said Hill.
“We had a normal training session last Saturday morning and then the lads had the afternoon off, which was good for them, to have time with partners when they don’t normally have a Saturday afternoon off.
“So having a break was good in that sense.”
LR head into the game on the back of having lost back-to-back league games for the first time this season, with last Saturday’s 3-1 reverse at home to Nelson in the top-of-the-table clash following on from a loss against Euxton Villa the previous week.
But Hill is well aware of the threat that will be posed by an LR side who are still well-placed in the battle for promotion.
“With LR having lost their last two games, you could say that this is a bad time to be playing them,” said Hill.
“We are expecting them to come out and have a go, looking for what could be a big result for them, and would see them bouncing back after two defeats.
“They need to get back to winning ways, and put pressure on Nelson at the top of the table, and if they don’t win that gives an advantage to Nelson.
“With it being a local derby it would have been a good competitive game anyway, but with LR needing points, and a bigger crowd than normal at the game, it all adds to the pressure and sets the scene for a really good night.
“But we still have targets that we want to aim for, too.
“We definitely are targeting a top-10 finish, and if we manage that, it is a good season for us.
“We have a semi-final in the Atherton Charity Cup to play soon, and we will be playing in the Bolton Hospital Cup, too. in the next few weeks, so we still have plenty to play for, within our own expectations and objectives.”
Tickets for the game can be purchased in advance online via the club’s social media channels, although there will also be the opportunity to pay by cash or card at the turnstile on the night.
