Midfielder Wilson out to upset his dad

Family loyalties will go out the window tomorrow night when our midfielder Laurie Wilson pits his wits against dad Danny’s Sheffield United in an attractive pre-season friendly at the New Manor Ground (7.45pm).

The npower League One Blades provide the opposition for our first home friendly of the summer following the cancellation of the clash with Skegness due to wet weather.

United will be looking to get their own pre-season campaign off to a winning note but the Robins, who were 6-0 winners at Leek on Saturday, are intent on giving them a run for their money.

Former Alfreton player Wilson (pictured) is at the top of the list of those keen to give his father a few headaches by providing the visitors with a stiff test.

“It certainly adds an element of intrigue to the game and it is something dad and I were talking when we were on holiday together in Spain,” he said.

“He’s warned me not to go flying into tackles because he doesn’t want any of his players missing any games!

“But we will try to make it a contest and push them hard, even if the main thing, for both sides, will be trying to get fitness in the bag.

“From our point of view, we were pleased with the way we started against Leek, but we won’t be taken anything for granted just because of that one win.

“We do have lads who can play at the higher level after winning promotion, but there is plenty of hard work to put in.”

United narrowly missed out on promotion back to the Championship after being pipped for automatic promotion by neighbours Sheffield Wednesday and then losing in the Play-off final on penalties to Huddersfield.

Wilson expects his ‘old man’ to come out fighting in 2012-13 and knows the Robins face an uphill task to keep in check a Blades side who could well feature a number of first-team players.

He added: “My dad was obviously massively disappointed with what happened because we are talking about one kick being the difference between going up or not.

“They had a terrific season, even if they couldn’t quite cap it, and have some very good players to call on. They have lost Matt Lowton (who has joined Aston Villa), but they have signed John Cofie from Manchester United and you know anyone who has been on their books is going to be a decent player.

“The strength of their team is going to make it hard for us but the gaffer (Kevin Wilson) is keen to get us pressing the ball more aggressively and this game will give us a chance to practice that.”