LES Hines heads back to the ground of his junior days as Worcester City bring their season to a close at Gainsborough Trinity tomorrow.
City's forward-thinking wing-back grew up in north Lincolnshire and turned out regularly at the Northolme Stadium as a youngster.
The journey to Trinity's home ground is a short trip for the popular 28-year-old and nobody wants to finish the league campaign on a high more than Hines himself.
"It's a bonus for me," mused Hines. "Gainsborough's ground is only 10 minutes from the doorstep of my family home.
"I used to play for Gainsborough Boys when I was probably about 11 or 12. I was playing full-back then, although I've not been back much since. I've been told the ground looks exactly the same, so it will be nice to have another look around the old place.
"Gainsborough are one of those clubs that pick up a few good results here and there, but haven't really done a great deal."
Seventh-placed City will cement their position above local rivals Redditch United with victory.
Such lofty heights seemed unlikely in February when Trinity won 2-1 at St George's Lane in Andy Preece's second game, leaving Worcester staring at a potential relegation battle.
Preece sits out the fixture with a broken toe but defender Paul Carty returns from a one-game ban and Christian Moore may get his first run-out since September when he suffered ligament damage.
Hines said: "We had a little slump against Altrincham and Barrow, but if we can go out with another win and finish above Redditch, that would be a great achievement.
"It's great where we are now, because when the gaffer cane in, there was doubts about which league we would be in next season. Everything now looks positive.
"It's a pity the Droylsden game wasn't the last game of the season because it was such a good performance and it left our home supporters on a bit of a high."
Hines was the architect in City's superb 3-1 win over the title-chasing Bloods, laying on all three goals for midfielders Jai Stanley and Tom Warmer from the left flank.
The former Hednesford Town man has enjoyed his first term at the Lane and is delighted to play a huge role in creating goals.
Hines added: "On a personal level, I've really enjoyed it this season. Myself and Rob Warner have pretty much played the entire season. I was injured for four weeks and missed six games but, apart from that, I've started every game.
"I'm pleased to have made such a contribution. It would be nice to be top of the club for goal assists, it would be interesting to look at the statistics. But taking the corners and free-kicks helps, obviously.
"I got forward a lot against Droylsden, but that's what the gaffer wants us to do most games, depending on how teams shape up. Droylsden played with a 4-3-3 and it meant a lot of space for me and Rob on the wings."
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