FC Stratford manager Dave Poulson says he needs Hellenic League Division One play-off rivals to slip up after 5-0 win over Wellington

NEW FC Stratford manager Dave Poulson saw his side romp to a 5-0 win over Hellenic League Division One strugglers Wellington but admits he needs rival sides to slip up if they are to make the play-offs.

Poulson took charge at the end of last month and since then the Bears are four games unbeaten with two wins and two draws, including a vital victory at Hellenic League Division One play-off chasing Redditch Borough.

But with his side third in the table, he knows that Saturday’s trip to another of the promotion-chasers, Stonehouse Town, is another key contest.

“We are in a good position but for a long time we have had the shadow of teams having games in hand so we are looking for favours with teams dropping points,” Poulson explained.

“We have a massive game next week against Stonehouse which is a cup final in itself.

“We have to go there and beat them after they have crept up unnoticed this season.

“It will be a massive game for them as well so we need to be switched on.

“I’ve said before that we needed to win the last four to have a chance and after winning this one, I don’t think anything changes.

“We need to win our final three and hope other results go our way but they do have to play each other.

“There are a lot of good players at the club and we should have already made sure of the play-offs but we have had players missing during the season with injuries and suspensions.

“We have put some results together now though and put ourselves in the mix – we just hope someone falters.”

Former boss Neil Chaundy stepped down following the defeat to Clanfield 85 towards the end of February, leaving Poulson holding the reins with the help of chairman Steve Sykes.

“I think they call it ‘dinosaur coaching’,” Poulson added. “Younger players are probably looking for different things.

“They know that I am not going to be the most technical coach although I talk about the bits and pieces that I feel are important.

“Hopefully they will go out there and perform. If as a manager I can put the best team out there and encourage them, then that’s most of the job done.

“I am looking to the players to manage the game themselves and be the voice on the field – don’t wait for me to say something as I might be asleep!

“You need to be able to adapt to situations out on the pitch rather than looking over to the touchline all the time.”