Histon at home is a huge game for us - Holleran

Victory over Worcester City in their last league outing gave Brakes valuable breathing space at the foot of the table and they followed it up with a 2-0 FA Trophy win over Gainsborough Trinity last Saturday.

However, with a run of three successive away games following Saturday week’s FA Trophy tie with Northwich Victoria, Holleran accepts the visit of Brian Page’s side takes on added importance.

“The Histon game is massive,” said Holleran.

“We’ve got some tough away games coming up so it is important to get points on the board.

“Last Saturday was one of our most complete performances of the season.

“That said, Histon are a young, athletic, full-time side and offer a different threat.

“But if we play at the same tempo and with the same quality as our last two games it will set us up nicely for a tough schedule.”

Holleran was happy to gloss over the 5-0 midweek Birmingham Senior Cup defeat to Burton Albion.

A Dominic Knowles treble made it a night to forget for the hosts and the Brakes boss admits he was surprised by the strength of the side brought down by Gary Rowett.

“The fact that their centre-half is on more money than my entire budget puts it into perspective,” he said.

The game did allow several key players to get valuable game- time under their belts as they return from injury, while new signing David McNamee got his first taste of action in gold and black.

The 33-year-old former Scottish international joined at the weekend having most recently been at Nuneaton Town and Holleran said the former Livingston, Blackburn, Coventry City and Plymouth defender will add some much-needed versatility at the back.

“He can play centre-half or full-back,” said Holleran.

“We’re hoping he can have the same kind of impact Martyn Naylor had when he joined us around the same period last year.”

Connolly is pressing for a first league start tomorrow, while Craig Owen is expected to be fit enough to play some part against Histon having been left out of the squad in midweek.

However, Alex Taylor will not feature again this season after a scan revealed he has damaged his anterior cruciate ligament and also some cartilage.