Paul Lines claims February will have a big say on whether Wakefield FC avoid relegation from the Evo Stik Division One North
Paul Lines says February could be make-or-break for Wakefield FC in their fight against relegation from the Evo Stik Division One North.
Wakefield are currently one place above the drop zone in 20th and face fellow strugglers Prescot Cables and Padiham along with winnable games against Clitheroe and Salford City next month.
Lines, who has the lowest budget in the league, will take his team to Cammell Laird tomorrow and Wakefield chief says they are heading into an important run of fixtures.
“February is going to be a pivotal month because we have got Padiham and Prescot, who are teams in and around us,” he said.
“They’re going to be must-win games. I’m confident we can stay up again, why not?
“If we show the same desire like we did against Curzon then why shouldn’t we stay up. We’ve stayed up two years on the trot so why can’t do it for a third?
“I have set a points aim, but I’m going to keep that under my hat. It will be close finish though.
“Ossett Albion are making a push having won last week, but consistency will be the key. There is a gap between us and them, but I’m not looking over my shoulder, I’m looking forward.”
Heavily helping Wakefield’s cause is prolific marksman Rob Bordman, whose 21 goals have ensured the Belle Vue club have an excellent chance of staying up.
Bordman previously played for the Liversedge in the NCEL Premier Division and he scored two fantastic goals in the 3-2 defeat to Curzon Ashton in midweek.
Lines is full of praise for key man and says the striker has been brilliant since joining the club early on in the season.
“He has got tricks as well as goals in his locker,” Lines said.
“Because he’s a goalscorer he has made a massive difference. He comes up with goals out of nothing at times and some of his free kicks has been outstanding.
“In and out around the edge of the box he has been slamming them in for fun.
“Against Curzon Rob could have had four or five goals. We were desperate to keep him which is why we have put him on contract.
“He fits in with all the lads and gets on with them all. He didn’t want to go anywhere, but if someone comes knocking on your door throwing figures at you, it’s hard to turn them away (which is why we put him on contract).
“He’s one of the best signings I’ve made at Wakefield, if not the best. His goals speak for themselves and he’s going to play a pivotal role for the rest of the season.”
Lines confirmed that John Douglas and defender Ryan Donoghue are out for a couple of weeks with ligament damage, but he hopes to add one or two new faces in the next seven days.
On the trip to Cammell Laird, Lines added: “If we show the same attitude and application (like we did against Curzon) then I think we have a chance of getting something.”