NPL Division One East
Craig Ogilvie believes Yorkshire Amateur are starting to turn the corner after a poor run of results and a torrid time with injuries.
The Ammers – who host Cleethorpes Town tomorrow – flew out of the blocks like an express train but since winning three out of their four opening league games, the Leeds-based side have won only one in nine.
However, the 1-1 draw at North East giants Stockton gives joint manager Ogilvie belief the tide is turning.
“I wasn’t actually there but I’ve spoken to Sibbo (Neil Sibson) and after watching it back we probably should have got all three points,” Ogilvie told Non League Yorkshire.
“We played really well and it was the first time in a while when we’ve been able to say that we have been pick from a full 18 or 19 players.
“Hopefully that’s a sign of things to come.
“Hopefully there’ll be no more injuries and suspensions and we can keep on top of things.
“There’s shying away from that it has been a poor run.
“The only saving grace is that we know that we have been crippled with injuries and suspensions.
“We went up to Dunston and we only had 13 men and one of the subs was a goalkeeper so we only had one outfield available on the bench.
“In this league when you only have one change on the bench it is difficult.
“I’m not trying to play the violin.
“Luckily we’ll still mid-table, it could have been a lot worse.
“Luckily we had a good start to the season.
“There’s no alarms bell, it has just been one of those periods and most teams will go through these kind of periods throughout the season.”
To help address their woes, the Ammers recently added Tadcaster Albion’s Marko Basic and Pontefract Collieries left-back Ben Gordon.
But Ogilvie and Neil Sibson do not intend sign further new additions.
“We have signed Marko and Ben in the last few weeks but there’s no panic button going to be hit,” Ogilvie said.
“We have people coming back from injury.
“We have a squad of 19 so we won’t be going out there and signing people.
“Stevie Smith was on the bench against Stalybridge (in the FA Trophy).
“He’s up to speed now so he’s available.
“Stevie Crawford is back, he’s been out with a hamstring niggle.
“Amir Berchill got a red card playing for Nostell under 23s, he’s back from suspension.
“Ryan Serrant is back available so if you look at it over the last couple of weeks we have probably regained four or five players (from injury or suspension).”
Following their incredible opening two games, many predicted the Ammers would challenge for honours.
Ogilvie has always said the Ammers wanted to effectively enjoy the ride and see where it takes them rather than set a target – a stance he still has now.
“It is such a strange league and I still maintain the view that anybody can anybody,” he said.
“I think if you build up some momentum and get some wins it can propel you up (the table).
“Under the same breath, a run of games where you’re not winning can put you down (near the bottom).
“Our thoughts haven’t changed.
“If we were to finish in the top half it would be a satisfactory season for us.”
Cleethorpes provide the latest challenge for the Ammers at Bracken Edge tomorrow and Ogilvie wants his troops to perform as well as they did at Stockton.
“They’re a good side and we have had them looked at,” he said.
“Some of the players who play for them, we know them from our Northern Counties days.
“We know they’re a good side and what you’d class as an established side at this level now.
“It will be a tough game but they all are in this league.
“I think we go into it with a bit of confidence off the back of Saturday, that’s for certain.
“Everybody realises Saturday was a big performance for us and although it was only a draw, getting a good performance can sometimes help you out tenfold rather than getting a scrappy 1-0 win.”