Brett warns United against complacency

BRETT MARSHALL retained a professional demeanour when asked about Retford United's healthy prospects against Lincoln Moorlands Railway on Boxing Day (3pm).

The Badgers have lost just once in 13 matches, while their upcoming hosts have not won in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division since September 14.

The contest is shaping up to be a complete mismatch in form and league position, but United's manager is taking nothing for granted.

"There is no way we can afford to take this match or our opponents lightly because they will be extremely motivated given the type of man Dean West (Moorlands joint-manager) is," the former Southwell City boss said.

"They may not be competing for league honours, but they are certainly competing within their own league at the bottom of the division. They will be doing their upmost in their fight for survival.

"Before we go out onto the pitch in any match, we make sure complacency is nipped in the bud.

"The two five-nils they have been on the end of in their last two matches will mean nothing come Monday. Moorlands are fighting for everything and in football anything can happen."

With a weekend of festive celebrations ahead for the Cannon Park playing staff, Marshall has called on his troops' better judgement to ensure they are in peak condition for Moorlands clash.

United defeated Liversedge 4-2 with a resilient display last weekend and will want another win to retain their four-point gap at the top of the table.

"I have told some of them to stick to just the one gallon of ale on Christmas Day," joked Marshall.

"No, but in all seriousness, the lads know the fixture list, they know when we are playing and I will always expect them to bear that in mind when they are enjoying themselves."