Blackstones Aim to Reignite Season with Key Home Matches

Joint manager Jon Harrison is optimistic that a series of four home games will provide the momentum needed to revive Blackstones’ season following a morale-boosting draw away at Eastwood. The team, which recently gained promotion to the United Counties League Premier Division North, started the campaign strongly but has since slipped to 14th place in the 20-team division due to injuries and suspensions affecting key players.

The Stones secured a valuable point in a goalless draw against Eastwood, a team currently sitting in eighth place. Harrison believes this result can serve as a springboard for upcoming matches at their home ground, the SBJ Stadium. Their next fixtures include clashes against Heanor Town on Saturday, Wisbech Town on December 20, Newark Town on December 27, and Hucknall Town on January 3.

Harrison acknowledged the difficulties the team has faced this season. “We’ve had a tough time really,” he stated. “Injuries and suspensions have impacted our performance, but we’ve also been up against strong sides with bigger budgets.” He highlighted the challenge of competing with established teams in the league, noting that many of his players are relatively inexperienced.

The absence of influential players such as goalkeeper Max Peverell and defender Eddie Thorpe has been particularly significant. Peverell was nearing a return to fitness but suffered a back injury during a recent match, while captain Harry Peasgood has been sidelined due to suspension. The team will also be without Bartosz Berezowski, who left the game against Eastwood with a concussion. In light of these setbacks, defender Eddie Grunsteins stepped in as goalkeeper, making a crucial save that helped preserve the draw.

Looking ahead, the Stones are set to field Sarunas Snitkas, a goalkeeper on short-term loan from FC Peterborough, marking the fifth player to take on the position this season. Harrison expressed concern about the instability at the back, stating, “We’ve been punished for nearly every mistake while also being guilty of not taking our chances.”

The upcoming home matches are seen as critical opportunities for the team to regain form. Harrison pointed out that their prior victory against Heanor provides a confidence boost, and he emphasized the importance of focusing on collecting points from games they are expected to win. “We need to concentrate on picking up points in the games that we should win and competing in those where we’re probably the underdogs,” he noted.

As the team prepares for the busy holiday period, they also have a quarter-final tie in the Hinchingbrooke Cup against Godmanchester Rovers, scheduled for January 7. Harrison is hopeful that the combination of home games and cup action will allow his side to turn their fortunes around swiftly.

In summary, Blackstones are eager to capitalize on their home advantage and restore their competitive edge after a challenging period, as they aim to climb the league standings and make a mark in the cup competition.