Darlaston boss Gill hungry for redemption against Stalybridge Celtic after 'humbling experience'
Darlaston Town boss Dean Gill is relishing the chance to do battle again with Stalybridge Celtic who dealt him the heaviest defeat of his managerial career.
The Citizens sit 21st in the Northern One West table, five points adrift from safety, and tomorrow’s clash will be their first outing in two weeks after postponement last weekend.
Gill’s men were thrashed 6-0 at Stalybridge in September, in what remains his worst defeat as a manager. And he is eager for a far tighter return fixture tomorrow.
“They were a really good, slick outfit,” he said. “They put us to the sword better than anybody ever has. It was a humbling experience, but I am looking forward to doing it again.
“We need to have a better performance and close the gap on Stalybridge from when we played them two months ago.
“But, does that mean we need to win or get a draw? No.
“We have to close the gap, that is what we are looking for. We obviously want to win, but life can’t always be about winning at the moment. But, we are patient enough to see the bigger picture.”
Darlaston are currently the lowest scorers in the division, with just 16 goals in 19 matches.
However, they boast the best defensive record among the bottom four, and Gill wants his side to become more ruthless in front of goal.
“I think in the past month our defensive form has been play-off standard, at least top half,” the Darlaston boss continued.
“Our midfield and defence as a unit is as good as anything in the league. But, we are not scoring enough goals or making enough changes.
“We spent a lot of money to have data done and it showed that we don’t have enough shots.
“It found that other teams were having three times as many shots as we were.
We have got to improve that.”
The Citizens have managed only one home league win this season, and ahead of hosting play-off chasing Stalybridge, Gill has issued a rallying cry for support.
He added: “We are looking for every one per cent that we can find at the moment and supporters are front and centre of that.
“Please come down, get behind the lads, make as much noise as you can, and enjoy the football. We’ll give you everything we’ve got.”
Elsewhere, Stafford Rangers host Atherton Collieries looking to build on their Staffordshire Senior Cup victory over Sporting Khalsa midweek.
Chasetown travel to Wythenshawe Town looking to go five games unbeaten and Sporting Khalsa host Mossley.
In the Northern One Midlands, Lichfield City, who have just one loss in their last six league games, visit Coventry Sphinx.
