Martin Longworth says his side needs to show respect ahead of Hartpury University FC’s Hellenic League Division One clash with Clanfield 85 on Saturday.
Hartpury welcome league leaders Clanfield to Hartpury College in a classic six-pointer as Longworth’s side sits five points off their opponents.
Longworth’s side are in the luxurious position that they have four games in hand on Clanfield with a continued run of good form potentially putting them top over Christmas.
“It’s the classic cliché as it is a real six-pointer. Come Saturday, we could be two points away or eight points away.
“It’s a top-of-the-table clash which should make for a really good game.
“We have to treat it as we would any game. It is a big game; they’re a good side and they will come here with a certain plan.
“If we treat it with the same respect, then hopefully the outcome will look after itself,” Longworth said.
Clanfield will be heading to a fortress that Hartpury have created at the College as they have won all of their last three at home 5-0.
Hartpury are also yet to concede in all of their last five league matches, which was extended after their impressive 5-0 win over Morton Rangers on Tuesday night.
For the second time in three games, Longworth’s side headed into the break with a four-goal advantage thanks to goals from Kyle McGregor, Ben Baxter, Philip Kay and top scorer King Baidoo.
“We’ve come into the half times 4-nil, 5-nil, 4-nil, so we have been really pleased with that.
Obviously, we can’t take that effort away from the lads.
“I don’t think we played particularly well the second half as it got a bit messy and a bit sloppy.
“But I can’t complain too much. We got the job done in the first half, and now preparation starts ahead of Clanfield on Saturday,” Longworth said.
Baidoo has been instrumental to Hartpury’s success this season, netting 15 times in all competitions, but his forward partner, Baxter, has chipped with ten goals himself.
Baxter is someone Longworth may look to on Saturday if the club are to get anything from the game as Baidoo begins his four-match suspension following his red card last Saturday.
“I am thrilled for Ben. He played left-back for us last year, but he has now found a niche and a specialism for playing down that left hand side.
“He got his tenth of the season against Moreton, but he has also picked up nearly double figures in assists.
“Frustration for King as he now has a four-match ban from a red card, which was his second of the season,” Longworth said.
Hartpury University FC take on Clanfield 85 in their fifth straight home game at Hartpury College in the Hellenic League Division One on Saturday at 3pm.
