Runcorn Linnets manager Dave Wild has hinted at a potential shift in demeanour as he prepares for their derby clash with Prescot Cables this weekend.
Linnets bounced back from their disappointment away to Mossley with a win over Trafford in the FA Cup. They followed the performance up with a draw at home to Hanley Town – a point Wild concedes is a good one to pick-up despite home advantage.
After four points from their opening three league games, Wild is relatively pleased with his sides start but insists that there is a gear to be shifted in their upcoming games.
Reflecting on their last two against Trafford and Hanley, the former Matlock Town assistant manager spoke positively of their performances.
He told Off The Park: “I was really pleased with it to be honest, for the first-time the season we went and got on the front foot from the off, I sound like a bit of a broken record, but what we’re trying to do is build strong foundations and not lose games.
“With the FA Cup, it’s more of a shootout, do you want a replay and run the risk or do you want to get the game won and that’s the route we went with. I thought we were good value for the win to be honest, I was pleased with the fact we took the game to them as opposed to sitting back.
“Ultimately for the football club as a whole, getting in the next round is good for a few extra coffers.
“I don’t care what anyone says, they’re going to be there or there about this season if not pushing for the title for them.
“They came with a plethora of injuries and they’ve got Premier League experience and Premier League quality in their backline, the volume of ex-pros in their side just makes them competent in terms of ball retention, knowing experience and how to handle a game when we go on the front foot,” he added.
“I thought they were really good value for their money and I’m really pleased with the draw to be honest, that might sound nonsensical that you’re pleased with a 0-0 draw at home but if you can avoid getting beat off teams like that I think we’ll be good value for our own money as the season goes on.”
This weekend marks the trip to Prescot for their clash with Kevin Lynch’s side. The Bulls manager has been lauded his transformation of Cables from strugglers to a difficult, dogged outfit.
After positive signs in their last couple of outings, Wild has insisted that they will not be going to frustrate the hosts and sent a warning to their upcoming opponents in the coming weeks.
He continued: “It’s not ending for me these derbies. It’s one of them grounds, it’s a real non-league football club, Cables, if we’re to get anything out of the game we’ve got to be at the races and taking the game to them on their pitch.
“It’s quite a hostile environment when they get going at Cables with the support so I’m really looking forward to it, any derby is good, I’m looking forward to a really big crowd because Prescot have a fanbase and we have a really good fanbase and following.
“The first six to 10 games, anyone can beat anyone this season. It’s about making sure we’re set, rested, prepped and ready for the first of the doubleheader over the weekend.
“I want to win every game which I’m sure Kevin Lynch will, everybody wants to win.
“It’s time to maybe take the shackles off a little bit and I’ve got to look at myself, first, am I being a little bit reserved in my team selection? Sort of reserved in my team selection try and tick and get points. Is it time to take our foot off the break and put it to a team? I’m not saying we’re going to do that against Cables but it might be time for me to add a bit more attack and creativity into the team.”
“That’s something I’ll have to assess because we’ll have to have a little change in personnel but I’m pleased with the start we’ve made. I’m not over the moon with it but we’re making performance strides week to week so watch this space I’d say for the next couple.”
