Boss Neil Woolliscroft is targeting a travel triumph and a home revenge mission as Market Drayton Town look forward to a Bank Holiday weekend double bill.

The north Shropshire side head to Rainworth Miners Welfare tomorrow before welcoming near neighbours Newcastle Town on Monday (3pm) as they look to move up the Evo-Stik League first division south.

And Woolliscroft believes four points from those two games should be their minimum ambition after an encouraging start to the season.

“They are two games we want to take points from,” stressed Woolliscroft.

“We’ve got five points from four games so far and I’d like to have nine or more by Monday evening.

“Both Rainworth and Newcastle have had indifferent starts and we have been able to take a great deal of heart from the performances we have produced.”

Woolliscroft only took over at Greenfields in the summer, but is well aware that Drayton began the calendar year with an 8-1 drubbing at home to Newcastle Town on January 2.

Plenty of the new manager’s squad were involved that day and he admits the result has been mentioned to him by club officials too.

“It’s a big opportunity to gain some revenge for that defeat,” he said

“They beat Drayton 8-1 in January and there are players in our squad who are still smarting from that.

“It was one of the lows of last season because no-one likes to lose that heavily, especially to local rivals.”

Woolliscroft’s options are increased by the return of four players this weekend.

Wide man Nicky Porter has recovered from an illness while midfielder Colum Dunphy is back in the ranks after missing the Monday night defeat at Ilkeston through work commitments.

Defender Nicky Capper and right-winger Louis Irvine also return to the fold, having been away at the V Festival last weekend.

The Drayton chief is also encouraged by the improving fitness of experienced duo Stuart Ellis and Luke Reynolds, who have both had injury problems.

“It’s a strong situation and the strength of the squad makes it difficult for me – but it’s a great headache to have. I’ve been delighted by the attitude of all our players,” he added.

By CHRIS HUDSON