Holleran warns against slow start

Despite opening their 2010/11 campaign with a 2-1 victory at Bashley, Brakes won just one of their next seven to leave them languishing in 16th with a fifth of the season played.

And Holleran says it is vital his side do not lose early ground on their promotion rivals in what promises to be one of the tightest Southern League Premier seasons yet.

“I want to try and be in the same area as last year, in the play-offs, replicating the pluses and eradicating the minuses,” said Holleran.

“Our home form was very strong and we need to do that again, while our points return from the first ten games needs to be better.

“Last season we were always playing catch-up.”

A trip to Hemel Hempstead will provide an early test of Brakes’ promotion credentials, with Holleran’s side having failed to take a point in either encounter with The Tudors last season.

And, despite Hemel finishing a lowly 15th last term, Holleran believes they are one of several sides who could be in the promotion shake-up come the end of the season.

“We’re aware it’s going to be a difficult trip and we need to improve on our results last year against them, although we probably didn’t get what we deserved.

“They were very disappointed to come mid-table last season and they could be one of the sides that might be close this season.

“They are one of seven, eight or nine sides with not a lot between them and it’s going to be decided by fine margins.

“But we’ll be going there for three points to get our season up and running.”

Apart from long-term absentees Neil Barnfield and Scott Lycett, Holleran expects to have a full squad to choose from for tomorrow’s trip.

Jacob Blyth and Ben Mackey are set to undergo late fitness tests, with Blyth having made a remarkable recovery from the ankle ligament injury he picked up against a Birmingham City XI.

“Jacob did quite a bit on Tuesday [in training] and I fully expect him to be in the 16,” added Holleran.

Brakes, who are expecting to take two coachloads of supporters to Hemel tomorrow, are quickly back in league action when they entertain newly promoted Arlesey Town at the New Windmill on Tuesday night (7.45pm).