KEVIN Wilkin says outside distractions mean nothing as Nuneaton Town look to pick up a fourth straight win at Solihull Moors tomorrow, kick-off 3pm.
Boro have lost twice this season to a Moors team which could contain former Nuneaton players Justin Marsden, Stuart Pierpoint and Danny Spencer, who scored the winner on each occasion.
On top of that, their assistant manager is Roger Ashby — Wikin’s predecessor. However, the Boro boss says all of that is irrelevant as they look to tighten their grip on third in Blue Square Bet North with three games to go.
He said: “Who plays for them and previous results mean nothing. We’ve got a job to do and that’s get a result tomorrow.
“If you look at the previous games I think we were unlucky to lose the first at home. We controlled that game but we missed our chances while they scored from a set piece.
“When we lost to them in the Birmingham Senior Cup we’d moved the team around so I don’t think we should be worried by those results.
“They’re not relevant to this game. We need to play as we have in the last three games when we’ve been excellent.
“Ideally you want to bottle up that relentless winning mentality and uncork it for every game. It’s not easy to develop, but it’s easy to lose,” he said.
Boro are third on goal difference even after having six points deducted, however, they are only two points clear of sixth placed Stalybridge Celtic. Celtic take on title chasing Guiseley, while seventh placed Worcester host Hinckley United tomorrow.
Wilkin admits he is fully aware of the fixture list, but he says it means nothing if Boro slip up.
“We are aware of who others are playing.
“Of course you have a look at this stage.
“You can’t become distracted by it. I keep saying it, but all we can do is affect our own result,” he said.
Central defender Gaz Dean starts a two-game ban tomorrow. His place will go to Guy Hadland as Wilkin considers calling up Joe Henderson, who is on work experience from Coventry City, as cover.
Skipper Mark Noon will be in the squad despite his ankle injury. Wilkin says he is very much needed despite three straight wins.
“We definitely need him in the squad. You want that depth.
“If we start as we did on Monday (against Worcester) then we might not need to bring him on. There are other times when you need people.
“Games catch up with people and you want to try to keep everyone fresh. I can’t stress how important subs are, even when they don’t come on,” he said.
Right-back Graham Ward will definitely not play again this season due to the knee injury which has hampered him since October.
He had hoped to be able to play some part before knee surgery in the summer, but that is no longer the case.
“It’s not a surprise as he’s been struggling for a long time. Wardy is a great character and a real fighter but the injury has flared up,” said Wilkin.
Forward Wes York is also out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
BORO FROM: Collett, Cartwright, Albrighton, Hadland, Henderson, Nisevic, Forsdick, Gudger, Armson, Noon, Mills, Walker, Moore, Mitchley, Glover, Brown
