EV2 Sheffield & Hallamshire County Senior League Premier Division
Terry Simon says Wombwell Main are currently on course to meet his pre-season expectations.
Back in July when the make-up of his squad was unclear due to several departures, Simon was unsure how Wombwell would perform but he hoped for a top six finish.
That’s definitely possible as Wombwell have won four of their opening eight games.
Main are currently fifth ahead of the clash with Stocksbridge Park Steels Reserves tomorrow.
“I said (in the summer) that I’d like to think we’d be challenging in the top six,” Simon told Non League Yorkshire.
“We certainly are and I think on our day we could possibly push top three.
“We certainly have to play better than we did against Hepworth (last Saturday) and we have been doing.
“We played Houghton the week before and it was 4-0 at half-time and it was the best football we have played all season.
“You look at the first 45 minutes against Hepworth and I don’t think we strung two passes together which is not what we’re about.
“I would be disappointed if we were out of the top four or five.”
But Simon concedes it will not be an easy task to finish in the top five.
“Nobody ever mentions Oughtibridge but they’re always there (near the top),” he said.
“We always have tough games against Gawber.
“Sheff Town are near the bottom but they always give us a right game.
“It was 0-0 against South Kirkby at half-time and we won 6-1.
“They were a good side.
“The only game where it has been comfortable was the Houghton game.
“It is a tough league.”
Wombwell missed the opportunity to climb to second last Saturday after losing 2-1 to Hepworth United at home.
Simon was impressed by reborn Hepworth and is tipping them as a serious title contender.
“When we played Hepworth away and lost – which to this day I don’t know how we lost – I said Hepworth wouldn’t be in the top three,” he said.
“Looking at them on Saturday they are the best side we have played.
“They were better against us than Dodworth were and Dodworth are everyone’s favourites.
“I think Dodworth will be in the mix.
“With the shape they play and the players he has brought in, (Hepworth) are well in with a shout of the title.
“You never know with Wombwell Town.
“They don’t lose many games and they grind results out.
“It is still difficult because everyone still has to play one another but you won’t be far wrong with Dodworth and Hepworth.
“If you were gambling man, they’re the ones you would put your money on at this moment in time.
“I would like to think if we go on another run that we could possibly be up there challenging in the top three.”
Wombwell’s squad is looking healthy and Simon hopes it will be stronger in the forthcoming weeks.
“Connor (Peace) has come back from work commitments and the Hepworth game was his first game in 12 weeks,” he said.
“It was good to see him.
“Sam Jones is back from injury this week.
“Gadhafi (Kiwanuka) warmed up in the last two games but he’s still 85% so hopefully he will be back soon.
“Alex Good who started the season really brightly before a daft sending off against Gawber, he turned his ankle in training.
“We’ve still got a few to come back in so competition is good.”