LEE Casswell hailed his Leek Town side after their “brilliant” win over Sheffield – and urged his players to keep the momentum going, as the club looks to make a charge into the play-off places.
Town were 10th in the Evo-Stik League Northern Premier First Division South table ahead of last night’s encounter at Hucknall Town.
Casswell’s men face another huge game on Saturday when they face fellow promotion chasers Halesowen Town – who have been in fine form recently – at Harrison Park (3pm).
The Blues boss was over the moon with his side’s important 2-0 win at Sheffield on Saturday, secured thanks to goals from Tim Grice and Peter Wright.
“It was a brilliant win and at times we were superb,” said Casswell.
“It helps to keep the pressure on the teams above us and we’ve got a big game coming up against Halesowen Town this Saturday. They’ve been doing really well just lately, so we know how tough it’ll be.
“What we need to do now is keep the momentum going.
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t sit and study the fixture list, like I’m sure every manager does. But we’re not looking any further ahead than our next fixture. If we go into games with the same attitude as we did against Sheffield, we’ll be fine.” Casswell will have to make do without top scorer Tim Grice, though, as the striker begins a three-match ban.
The Blues boss added: “To lose Tim is a huge blow for us when we’ve started to put a run together. We’ll miss his presence.” Casswell was given a boost this week, however, when former Crewe Alexandra man Dan Shelley agreed a new contract.
The 22-year-old midfielder joined Blues in September last year following his release by Alex.
Shelley made more than 70 appearances in Crewe’s first team in a four-year spell after graduating from their acclaimed Academy.
He quickly adapted to life in non-league football and has turned in some outstanding performances for Leek, weighing in with five goals in 23 appearances, and prompting Casswell to secure his signature on a contract until the end of the 2013-14 season.
Casswell said: “It is absolutely fantastic news that players like Dan want to play for Leek Town.
“He is a fantastic player to have around the club and knows how the game works.
“The club’s future will be safe and secure if we keep players like Dan at the club.” Meanwhile, Casswell will cast his eye over Furo Davies, who contacted the club last month requesting a trial.
Davies has impressed so far and scored in Town Reserves’ 2-0 win over Cheadle SMU.
Casswell said: “He’s got something about him. The reserves play again on Wednesday, so we’ll take another look.
“He had to go off in the second half with cramp at the weekend, so needs to work on his fitness, but he looks a good player.”
