The win against Darwen was manager Nicky Hunt’s first in charge of the club, and he is now looking for more of the same from his side as they head into tomorrow’s game in positive mood.
“Last week’s result was a massive turning point for us because it’s our first win of the season,” said Hunt.
“But for the previous couple of games, performances-wise, it’s been coming. I’ve been saying it in interviews after games, at half time to the lads, and in training, that it was only a matter of time before we got that first win and it all came together last Saturday.”
This weekend’s opponents Maine Road sit just one point outside the play-off places, and although they have recorded just one win on the road so far this season, Hunt is preparing for a close-fought game.
“We’ve had them watched already, so we know what we’re going to come up against,” said the Daisy boss.
“They are a good outfit, they’ll be organised, and they have some good players, but it’s all about on the day and whoever wants it more.
“That’s just how it is in our league. It’s open, and anybody can beat anyone on the day.
“We saw last Saturday, Darwen were flying high, but we dominated for the majority of the game, even though we’re in the bottom three and they are in the top five.
“I’m a realist, and we could come back down to earth with a bang against Maine Road on Saturday, but I’m really hopeful that it won’t, and we will continue our good form.
“I’ve got a good squad together now, and it’s on them to go out and produce on the pitch the performances that I know they can produce.
“I’m really pleased with them at the minute, and hopefully they can go just one way and that’s upward.
“Our confidence is super high now, especially after our first win, and we’ll look to build on what we’ve created, especially after that late winner last weekend.”
Meanwhile, Daisy captain Jacob Ridings has been recognised for reaching the milestone of 100 appearances for the club.
Ridings is now in his third spell at Daisy Hill, having first made his debut in the 2018/19 season as a teenager.
During his 100 games, he has scored 19 goals, 15 of those coming in 34 games played in 2019/20.
Ridings was presented with a commemorative plaque by club vice-chairman Colin Higson and manager Nicky Hunt prior to the club’s game against Darwen last Saturday.
