Holcombe update

[Adrian Hull]

We are just over the half way stage of the season and with the cup escapades filed under failure for yet another season, Holcombe fans only have the battle for survival in the premiership to look forward to for the rest of the season.  17 points from 14 games may not sound like anything special, and in truth it isn't, but it does mean the side are sitting in 8^th place, firmly mid table.  Yes, they may only be 3 points ahead of the relegation zone and yes, they may be 13 points off the leaders, so mid table isn't really that reflective of the situation, but the reality is, if the second half of the season goes in the same way as the first, it will be mission accomplished and survival in their first season back in the top flight.

The fans have been placated with the 'splashing of the cash' on defender Kuffor who hsa looked astute in his first two performances, and added to that some dross from the youths was sold to the exploited foreign league to recoup funds so the club are financially secure still, paving way for the possibility of another signing further down the line.  Added to that was an unexpect 3m bonus from the boss winning a predictions week.  His record is terrible, so to win on a week where nobody else predicted the same outcome was a surprise to say the least.  But the club finances are in a better state because of it.

Byker Grove Beavers are the next fixture, and after a 4-0 drubbing in week 2, the fans are not expecting much from the home side but seem to be more excited about seeing the football that the opponents will have on show on Saturday! 5 wins, 2 draws and 7 defeats shows how inconsistent the side is, but the reality is that shows the difference in ability in the top division as much as it shows Holcombe's frailties.  4 points from the next three games was the reward from the reverse fixtures, and if they can get more than that this time round they may well be sitting in a much better position in a few weeks time than they are now.  But we will see.

The youth team started terribly, but with 6 games to go they are only 3 points off the top 6.  Over the last few seasons, goal difference has been the differentiating factor between Holcombe hitting the play-offs rather than the automatic promotion places.  With such a small points gap, it could well come down to that again. Next up is the table toppers, then they play two teams below them.  These three fixtures are going to dictate whether the side have any ambitions of finally securing promotion going into the run in, as the final 3 fixtures sees them face the current 3^rd to 5^th placed sides.  If they can be in contention going into the games, they may just be able to ruffle some feathers and make a late push for promotion again.  Much to be decided over the coming weeks.