Evo Stik Division One North
Ossett Albion manager Richard Tracey
Richard Tracey has told his Ossett Albion players that they are not out of the woods just yet.
Albion are nine points clear of second-bottom Goole AFC going into the final acts of the season.
Form is on Albion’s side as it has been solid since November, when Tracey was very concerned.
“It was doom and gloom (in November), but then we went a good run before another wobble where we lost two or three on the bounce,” Tracey told Non League Yorkshire.
“We then won two or three more. What we have to do is find more consistency, although I know we are a young side and it is difficult.
“Some of the lads who have come on loan have been fantastic, but those loans are finished so the lads here have to step up to the mark because with the way results have gone this season, we still in relegation danger.
“We were hoping we had probably done enough, but Goole beat Farsley on Tuesday. We’re far from safe and there is more work to do, starting with Radcliffe on Saturday when we have to be far better than we were against Brighouse.”
Ossett lost 4-0 to Brighouse Town in midweek with a performance that frustrated Tracey.
“We knew it was going to be a tough night as from the squad from Saturday we didn’t have four players through unavailability,” he said.
“The game was only scheduled for Tuesday a couple of weeks before and obviously lads have seen it was a free week and booked things.
“We used the game to have a look at a few players on the fringe. Overall I think it was a disappointing performance and I’m really disappointed that we let standards drop.
“In the last four performances we have won three and nearly got something at Farsley when we were terrific so Tuesday was uncharacteristic of our recent form.”
Although the first job is to secure survival, Tracey has started planning for next season and already knows the type of player he wants.
“The reality of it is that we’re punching above our weight and it is difficult to attract players,” he said.
“I’ve spoken to players to come and they are happy to sign for sides in the NCEL and earn more money.
“We need players who are young and hungry and want to play at this level. Clubs with big budgets can plan and say we want this and they can go out and shop for it because they have the finance.
“We have to target young players and say to them ‘come here, stick with us for a couple of years and we’ll develop you as a player’.”
Ossett are away at Radcliffe tomorrow.