13-03-2025
Daisy defender is Riding high as team looks to build on wins
Daisy Hill will be looking to build on their good form over the past week when they host AFC Blackpool at the Plumb Factory Stadium in the North West Counties League First Division North on Saturday (3pm).
Last weekend's 2-1 win at Droylsden inflicted the hosts' first home league defeat of the season and a damaging blow to their promotion hopes.
And with Daisy following up that result with a Monday night victory over North Walkden in the semi-final of the Atherton Charity Cup, full-back Jacob Ridings says the challenge now is for the squad to build on those results for the remainder of the season.
'Since I came back to the club (in November), that Droylsden game was probably the best performance I've played in,' said Ridings.
'I think they are the best footballing side in the league, and to go there and win was massive, and in terms of our league results this season that would take a bit of beating.
'So that win, and Monday's win against North Walkden, will hopefully see us starting to get a bit of a run together for the rest of the season.'
Saturday's opponents AFC Blackpool sit just above Daisy in the league table, in mid-table, but are the joint-second highest scorers in the division.
The main goalscoring threat comes from the impressive strike partnership of Luke Hepple and Jacob Gregory, who have scored 23 and 15 goals, respectively, this season, and Ridings says he is well aware of the threat they will pose.
'I've played in this league a few years now and whenever you play AFC Blackpool, they are always set up well and difficult to beat, they are a good team,' said Ridings.
'But we are playing them on the back of some good results, especially against Droylsden - that was a result that was big for morale.
'Putting wins together builds momentum, and as we are looking towards next season now, the focus is very much on helping to build towards that.
'Going into pre-season on the back of some good results at the end of the previous season will build confidence as a squad, so getting a win on Saturday for us would be massive for this group.'
Supporters planning to attend Saturday's game are advised to buy tickets in advance via the link on the club website at and social media channels, as the attendance limit has now been set at a maximum of 660.
