LEE FOWLER is putting mini targets in place as he looks for Flint Town United to start climbing the table.
On the back of a testing run of fixtures, the Silkmen are third-from-bottom in the standings, heading into tonight’s big derby at Airbus.
“It’s a local derby and we have got a run of games where the proof’s now in the pudding,” said Fowler.
“We have had a tough run of games, but it’s got to come to fruition. We have got to catch the team that’s above us first.
“The first point of call is we need five points to catch Briton Ferry, and then see who we can drag in again and again and again.
“Let’s start making that table more condensed.”
Talking of tough fixtures, the Wingmakers go into the match-up having had to face leaders The New Saints and last season’s runners-up Connah’s Quay Nomads over the past week.
Manager Mark Allen said: “To be fair to the lads, we started well in the season and having to play them back-to-back is difficult, but we got a level of where we’re at with our journey.”
Nomads manager John Disney was impressed with the Airbus side in midweek and he had particular praise for Kaiden Cooke.
Allen added: “I think the whole group have had plaudits and they’re well deserved at the moment. I think we now need to turn those plaudits into more points.
“Kaiden has really set the league on fire in regards to his start to the season.
“He has got his targets and he is a threat. Managers are now seeing what he’s about and it’s really good for Kaiden, and he’s a fantastic lad.”
Four Academy graduates came off the bench for Flint in their 5-0 midweek defeat against The New Saints and Fowler is anticipating a similar squad situation this evening.
“It will be a young team again,” he admitted. “Skip (Allen) has done really well there.
“They had a good result versus Haverfordwest and they played really well versus TNS for 20 minutes.”
Looking ahead to the derby, Allen added: “I think Flint are in a false position from what I have seen. In pre-season, I thought they were very good and very strong.
“If you look at results, they have lost by the odd goal. It’s a tough game, like every game in this league is.”
Once more, The New Saints are the team to beat this season.
Craig Harrison’s defending champions, sitting at the top of the table, are aiming to stretch their unbeaten start to 10 matches when they welcome Llandudno tomorrow.
Barry Town United can move level on points with the Saints if they triumph at Colwyn Bay this evening, while Caernarfon Town entertain Cambrian United.
Penybont pay a visit to Ammanford and Briton Ferry Llansawel host Trefelin.
