Joynes: 'Our toughest test of 2012'

3:29pm Wed Feb 01, 2012

Newark Town boss Tony Joynes said his players face one of their toughest tests of the season on Saturday when they take on fellow promotion chasers Pinxton away from home.

Earlier in the campaign the Blues swept aside their rivals 5-2 at Station Road, on a run which has seen them lose only one game since October.

At the weekend Town recorded a comfortable 5-1 win over Real United while Pinxton had their promotion dream hit after losing out to top of the table South Normanton.

Joynes said that Pinxton could well be a wounded animal on Saturday and that his players must be on their mettle to come away with all three points.

"They dropped points at the weekend, the only team in and around the top of the table to do so, but we know this is going to be a tough game," he said.

"I know for a fact they are angry at the way we beat them at our place and they are out for revenge. That could make the game a very tight affair.

"In our game we had five players missing and still managed to score five goals so I was delighted with the way my team played - all we need to do now is keep up the progress."

On the selection front Sam Wilford remains on the sidelines while George Paling (ankle), Ben Porter (ribs), and Ryan Stafford all doubts. Ian Hillier is set to return to the squad.