BY NO means will we be taking Continental Star lightly, stresses Barnt Green Spartak boss GJ Singh.
Eighth placed Spartak welcome basement club Star to Highgate United’s Coppice Ground this Saturday knowing a positive result will draw them closer to the battle for fifth.
But despite only losing once at home in Midland league Division Two so far this season, Singh told the Standard facing a side which has won just one game all campaign will not make it an ‘easy three points’.
“I won’t need to say much to my players as they know the score but for various reasons we will not be taking them lightly,” Singh said.
“Despite their league position many teams they have lost to will say they are a tough side to beat and they never give up.
“Star always keep going so as much as will be trying to get the three points, they won’t be an easy three points.”
Spartak go into the game against Star on the back of a 2-1 victory over seventh placed Knowle at the Coppice Ground.
Johaine Thompson had given Singh’s men a 28th-minute lead from the penalty spot before an own-goal pulled the Solihull-based visitors level nine minutes later.
But a 70th-minute strike from Darren Green ensured it was Spartak who walked away with a much-needed three points.
“The result was never in doubt to be honest which is typical of our season,” Singh said.
“After the 5-0 defeat at Sutton I knew the players would give that kind of reaction and performance.
“I was missing a few first team regulars too but we looked very solid and organised.
“Our home form has been really good and considering eight of our remaining ten league games are at home, I fancy our chances of climbing up the league table.”
Singh will be without long-term injury sufferers Earl Jordan (shoulder) and Marcus Malcolm (knee) for Saturday’s game while James Karanicolas remains sidelined for a further two to three weeks with a pulled hamstring which he picked up in the defeat at Sutton United.
