PERSHORE Town will be on a mission to erase one of their lowest points of the season when they head to basement side Coventry Alvis on Saturday.
Manager Quentin Townsend described the 2-1 home defeat to Alvis in November as “embarrassing” as the Coventry side recorded one of only three victories in Midland League Division One.
Ironically it sparked Town’s best league run of the season but Townsend says the result still hurts and that will provide an incentive when Pershore, who lie 14th in the table, visit Alvis.
“We’ve changed a lot since we lost to Alvis,” said Townsend. “It was embarrassing that day and we want to put it right this weekend.
“It would be disappointing if we didn’t take three points, even being away from home.
“But we know we’ve got to perform. It’s been a criticism that we haven’t always produced our best against teams below us in the league. I think we’re dealing with that better but we also know we need to be at our best whoever we play.”
Despite having Will Stallard ruled out for the rest of the season and Dean Waldron facing hip surgery next month, Pershore will have as close to a full-strength squad as they have had all season.
Utility man Steve Webb sits out Saturday’s match and Tuesday’s home game with second-bottom Bolehall Swifts after being suspended for two games, having collected ten bookings this season.
Townsend, though, feels he has the squad to cope with the twists and turns for the rest of the season.
Clubs can only sign new players before the cut-off on March 23 and, unless there are any sudden injuries, the manager does not expect much movement around the King George V Stadium.
“We should be OK in terms of numbers,” said Townsend. “I’ve got competition in the squad, I’ve got options.
“There’s always that worry that other clubs might come in for your players as well but nobody has said they are unhappy. Everybody is enjoying their football at the moment. There’s a positive feeling about the place.
“People don’t like sitting on the bench but I’m in a position where I can rotate players over the next few weeks.”
