Magpies target second

Back-to-back wins boost Magpies hopes

COLNEY Heath boss Scott Lacey believes his team can secure second place in the South Midlands Premier Division if they can win their last three games.

The Magpies have to travel to Leverstock Green before entertaining Hertford and fellow high-fliers Tring Athletic in what looks a tasty end to the season.

Heath moved back into the top two after victories over Aylesbury and Holmer Green this week and Lacey now wants his squad to stay there.

“It’s been a good week for us,” Lacey told the Herts Advertiser.

“I believe if we can win our last three games then runner’s up is ours.

“Tring have got to win all their games to take second, Royston have got a tough run in and have to go to Chalfont and we’ve still got to play Levy (Leverstock).”

Lacey and fellow boss Wes Awad were delighted to see their tactical gamble pay off on Saturday as recalled striker Phil Jackman, pictured above right, inspired the Magpies to a 3-0 win over Aylesbury.

Kevin Ashwood got the ball rolling when he volleyed home before subs Ian Cooper and Jermaine Davey got on the scoresheet just minutes after coming on.

“We had a point to prove after losing at their place and to come out with a 3-0 win is magnificent,” explained Lacey.

“We decided to play with Phil Jackman up top who is pound for pound our biggest striker and he was fantastic. He gave them a torrid time and if he could finish he would be playing two or three levels higher.”

Lacey and Awad rang the changes again for the visit of Holmer Green on Tuesday night and were rewarded with a 3-1 triumph.

Cooper was again amongst the goals scoring once in each half either side of a Daniel Staples’ header to complete a pleasing week for the club.

“Tuesday night we changed the formation again having played Holmer recently,” explained Lacey.

“We felt the best way to get at them was down the middle so we went with three central midfield players and Kev Ashwood in behind Coops and Phil.

“The first 10 minutes we could have been 5-0 up but unfortunately we kept wasting chances.”

Lacey felt Tuesday night’s game saw his side produce their best first half display of the year and the Magpies boss described midfielder’s Jason Williams and Carl Ashton’s performances as “awesome”.

The Magpies now have 10 days before their next fixture and Lacey is keen to make the most of that break.

“We haven’t got a game this Saturday and our next fixture isn’t until a week Saturday so we’ve got a 10 day break and we’re going to make the most of that. We’ll give the lads a rest and let them refresh their legs.”

There was also good news off the pitch with captain Steve Barker available for the club’s Premier Division Cup final after only receiving a one game ban following his dismissal at Hillingdon Borough last week. The Magpies will play Leverstock in the final which will be held at London Colney’s Cotlandswick home on Tuesday, April 26.