Reserves heading into local derby in good spirits
11th February 2022The Reserves are heading to local rivals Appleby Frodingham at the weekend, reviving the glory days of battles between the sides in the Lincs League in days past.
Stefan Wolkowski’s team are on a three-game winning streak and head to Ashby Road looking to make it four for the first time since February 2019.
It’s been an unbeaten start to 2022, a 1-1 draw at Grimsby Borough’s Reserves, followed by two 2-1 wins over Horncastle Town home and away, and a 4-0 victory over Keelby United. Wolkowski is treating the encounter as ‘just another game.’
“It’s just another game for us but I’d be lying if I didn’t say it has that little extra buzz about it,” Wolkowski said. “It’s a derby, both teams know each other well and it should be a belter for any supporter watching. Lee is a great manager and will have his lads fired up for sure and I want our lads to rise up to that challenge set by them.”
The players are also up for the game and praised the atmosphere in the dressing room at the moment. Reserves top scorer Joel Chapman said: “We are all feeling bright for Saturday after some great recent performances and looking to carry that on this week and do what it takes as a team to come away with three big points.”
It’s worth noting that the reserves currently have a host of players out injured, including club captain Tad Dixon. Reserves midfielder Kadey Phillips is pleased with the way the side is playing despite injuries. “Everyone’s buzzing at the minute, three wins on the bounce and playing really well despite a few lads being injured. Hopefully we can keep up the form on Saturday against a decent side with another three points and carry on strong until the end of the season.”
Reserves striker Jacob Sweeting is fired up and ready to fight for the win: “The lads couldn’t be in higher spirits for the game, after three big wins we’re all ready for the next challenge and with it being a local rival you won’t find a man in the dressing room more ready to go out on Saturday and bring home three points. Up the Swans!”
It was a 1-1 draw the last time the two sides met at the Easy Buy Stadium in August, with Chapman netting a penalty in front of a bumper crowd. Wolkowski is hopeful the Swan Army can turn out in good voice to support the team: “We feel prepared, in good form, and we are excited. I’m sure even Jarmo wouldn’t mind any fans diverting to Frod to back us on Saturday. That support helps the lads so much.”
