Toolstation NCEL Division One
Craig Denton is hoping Hallam will have one thousand spectators packing into Sandygate at some stage this season.
Hallam’s attendances are at unprecedented levels and their last home game – the 3-1 win over Armthorpe Welfare – was watched by 656 people.
That’s the highest crowd for a Division One fixture this season and Denton, whose side host Teversal tomorrow, is dreaming of even bigger turnouts.
“Our attendances have been outstanding – 600 plus on a Saturday afternoon,” Denton told Non League Yorkshire.
“It is fantastic for the community and Non League Football.
“I don’t think it is all about winning.
“It does play a part in it but I’ve seen us draw against Glasshoughton and then seen the attendance increase the week after.
“I’ve seen us lose at home and seen attendances increase.
“I think it is the atmosphere that is created at Hallam that makes people want to be involved.
“I think 1000 is achievable.
“I can’t wait for North Ferriby at home, I think that’ll be a cracking attendance.
“But there’s no reason why we can’t hit 800 or 900 (on a weekly basis).
“It would be magical if we can kick on and get those numbers.”
Crowds are up by 77% and those who have attended the bulk of the ten league games have seen Hallam win seven and score 41 goals.
The form at home and away has put them firmly in the title race and behind unbeaten leaders North Ferriby and second-placed Brigg Town.
Denton’s main concern has been that his men have been unable to beat their promotion rivals.
“We need to make sure our form is consistent,” he said.
“In terms of league games, we have lost to North Ferriby, lost to Brigg and lost to Rossington.
“There’s pressure on us to try and galvanise some points.
“The league table looks alright for us – I don’t think anyone is running away with it.
“We didn’t deserve anything away at North Ferriby and we have to make sure we perform well against the teams in-and-around-us.
“No disrespect to the teams below us but we have to be a bit clinical and switched on (against the top sides).
“Teams like North Ferriby, Rossington and Brigg can punish you when you lose the ball and I just think we have been a little off it against the top teams.
“But the league is not won yet and there’s a lot of games to play.
“I would think the managers of those clubs above us will be probably saying the same thing – they certainly won’t think they’re in the winning position.”
Denton has been busy in recent weeks on the recruitment front but he feels satisfied now.
“We have had a bit of bad luck,” he said.
“We started the season with Sam Andrew who is a top ‘keeper; he got injured and we had to bring Callum Fielding.
“He suffered a serious injury and he’s out for the rest of the season.
“Myles Wright has come in and done great for us.
“We have brought in Sam Ogden from Clipstone to be the number two goalkeeper.
“I brought in Charlie Reaney from Sheffield FC at the back end of last week and he’s a fantastic addition.
“He’s someone I’ve coached at Sheffield Wednesday academy and he comes on a dual-registration with Sheffield FC.
“He’s hopefully be a part of us going forward.
“He’s a talented midfielder who can play in different positions.
“I think I’m really happy with what I’ve got.
“If people get injured or move on I obviously have to replace them.
“We have a got a squad of around 18/19 players and we’ve happy and the lads know they need to perform when they get a shirt.”