Whitby Town will be looking to put the disappointment of Tuesday’s defeat behind them as they take on Derbyshire side, Ilkeston, at home tomorrow afternoon.
The Robins have a 100 per cent record so far. They beat Stockton 1-0 on the opening day thanks to a Lynden Joyce 96th minute winner.
Saturday’s visitors then beat newly-promoted, Emley, 2-1 on their travels on Tuesday.
Anthony Dwyer put them in front inside six minutes. Ash Hunter added a second three minutes before half-time.
Midfielder Ben Turner told The Anchor he’s looking forward to putting things right in the clash after Town’s 2-1 defeat against Guiseley. He said: “We are gutted we couldn’t get the result on our first home game of the season. The lads are looking to bounce back in tomorrow’s game.
“It will be tough as they (Ilkeston) are coming in full of confidence after two wins. I know what this group is capable of and if we are on it, we can give the fans something to cheer about. A big three points.”
Right wing-back Joey Puethi is the first Zimbabwean to play for Whitby Town. He said The Seasiders were fully aware of the test that Ilkeston will be bringing.
He added: “It’s a big game for us against Ilkeston. They’ve made a flying start, winning their first two games of the season, so we know exactly the test that’s coming.
“It’s a good chance for us to get back to winning ways in front of our own fans, and we’ve been working hard on the training ground to make sure we’re ready for it. The lads are hungry to put in a real performance.”
It’s the third of eight matches for the Blues in a very busy August.
They travel to Tameside outfit Ashton United, near Oldham, on Tuesday, before hosting Warrington Town on August 22. There’s two long trips to Cleethorpes on Tuesday August 25, and then Quorn, for the first ever time on Saturday August 29.
The Leicestershire side were transferred across from the Southern Premier League Central, with Rushall Olympic going in the opposite direction. It’s a first meeting between the sides in their histories.
The month ends with a Bank Holiday Monday home tie with Alfreton Town from Derbyshire, who were relegated from National North.
Newly named captain, Stuart Rose, admitted the step up in standard for himself and anyone else will come under scrutiny. Rose joined Whitby Town from Boro Rangers which folded its senior men’s side and withdrew from the Northern League earlier this summer.
He said: “I’ve enjoyed the level. Obviously it’s a step up and the standard is high, but I feel like I have adapted well and I’m comfortable. I’m here because I feel I deserve to be.
“There’s always going to be a question mark on anyone who steps higher, but it’s just about continuing to work hard, improving and showing that week in, week out on the pitch.”
He appealed to fans to keep backing Whitby Town with what may be a new side, but one that will give everything.
Rose added: “Seasiders, keep backing us, it’s a long season through ups and downs, but one thing is for sure, I can promise, as a group, we will give everything we have got to get the results this club deserves.
“Ilkeston will be a really good test. We know the levels they’ll bring, back to back wins is a great start for them, but it’s up to us collectively to bring that to an abrupt halt, and I believe fully that we can.
“The support on Tuesday was absolutely fantastic, 660-plus through the gates is phenomenal. I really hope we can get plenty of those fans back on Saturday, give them something to cheer about, and get six points on the board in our opening three games.”
