Newmarket Town manager Michael Shinn insists no one game is more important than any other ahead of Ipswich Wanderers clash
Newmarket Town manager Michael Shinn is not putting any extra significance on Saturday’s home encounter with Ipswich Wanderers (3pm).
With the gap to safety in the Isthmian League North Division currently at five points, on paper this weekend’s visit of bottom-of-the-table Wanderers offers the Jockeys a presentable opportunity to kickstart their bid for survival.
However, with the need for points growing increasingly important, Shinn has insisted that this game has no greater value than any other.
“You can get bogged down by league tables and who is playing who,” said Shinn, whose side are six points better off than Wanderers.
“Everyone has to play everyone and so someone is going to be picking up points each weekend. It’s more important to worry about us and what we’re doing.
“It’s similar to last season (when Newmarket got promoted), only now we’re at the other end of the table.
“I’m confident enough in the group I’ve got that they can pick up the points that we need. We did well over Christmas and got four points, so confidence is good.
“Everyone on the outside will see Saturday as a huge game for both teams, but they’re all big games. It doesn’t matter who we’re playing against, we need to pick up points.”
The clash against Wanderers could mark a debut for new signing Jude Iron, who arrived last week from Soham Town Rangers.
The versatile left footer has always impressed Shinn when he has turned out against Newmarket – and he is now pleased to have him onboard.
“Every time we’ve played against Jude in the last couple of seasons he’s played well,” added Shinn.
“He’s been up against Ben Robinson and he managed to keep Ben pretty quiet a couple of times, which takes some doing.
“We obviously lost Coley (Ryan Cole) recently and he could play on the left hand side, so to have someone that can play out there was important to us for balance.
“He’s got good physical attributes, he’s good on the ball and I think he’ll be a big asset for us.”
Newmarket, who saw last weekend’s trip to Gorleston postponed because of a frozen pitch, could have striker Stan Leech available at the weekend.
The forward has been sidelined since the 2-1 loss to Brentwood Town on December 14 because of a hamstring injury.
Midfielder Ally Conway is also set to be back in the squad after returning from Australia, while Jacob Mingay is suspended.
