Chris Hilton says that Stocksbridge are in the middle of a tough schedule
Chris Hilton admits that injury-hit Stocksbridge Park Steels are facing a tough schedule at the moment
Weather-permitting the Steels are due to start their run of gruelling fixtures at local rivals Shaw Lane Aquaforce this afternoon.
Stocksbridge then face fourth-placed Spalding United on Saturday. The Bracken Moor-based outfit also have Daventry Town to play in January.
Hilton told Non League Yorkshire: “If you look at our games, we played Coalville last week and they are second in the league.
“We had the derby on Boxing Day. We have third today and fourth on Saturday.
“In the space of ten days we will have played a few of the top sides so it is going to be hard.
“The main aim is to pick up as many points as we can out of those games.
“We’re under no-illusions. People have to be patient with us. We have had a good cup run, but we need to start picking up league points quickly.”
Hilton does have a few selection problems. Midfielder Richard Patterson is out for two months after his ankle break at Gateshead in the FA Trophy.
Scott Ruthven is likely to be rested for a few games after going off in the derby clash with Sheffield FC with a hamstring problem.
Richard Tootle is a doubt after injuring his knee.
Stocksbridge also have Lee Garside missing as he is taking a break due to work and family commitments.
Andrew Fox, Brendon Cardwell and Louis Shaw are gaining match fitness at Russ Eagle’s Shirebrook Town.