Three Point Banker? Don’t You Believe It
By John February 9 2004
Rejuvinated Farnborough visit the Deva on Saturday hoping for a repeat of their 2-0 victory last year. But the Blues will provide more determined opposition this time as they chase the ultimate prize
By John February 9 2004
Rejuvinated Farnborough visit the Deva on Saturday hoping for a repeat of their 2-0 victory last year. But the Blues will provide more determined opposition this time as they chase the ultimate prize
Every game is a vital one for Chester City now as they approach the final third
of the season with a golden opportunity to return to league football. There is a
belief and expectation surrounding this team that was perhaps lacking last time
around, despite the fact that the club came so close to achieving their ultimate
goal on that occasion. Hereford United’s draw at Scarborough on Tuesday night
now means that the Blues’ destiny is well and truly in their own hands. Fresh
from a two week break, the players will look to reinforce this point at home to
Farnborough Town tomorrow.
Memories of a tough encounter at Cherrywood Road in September should ensure that
the home side do not underestimate their visitors from the Surrey/Hampshire
border, but should this not suffice they only need to take a look at their
opponents’ recent form for incentive. Indeed, Farnborough achieved arguably
their result of the season in their last Conference outing, thumping near
neighbours and high-flyers, Aldershot Town, 4-0 in front of a bumper home crowd.
Their results as a whole have been much improved over a longer period, with
surprise victories in December over Barnet and Stevenage Borough, securing a
healthy dose of revenge over former owner Graham Westley in the process.
Furthermore, they prevailed recently in a crucial relegation scrap at Leigh RMI,
giving frsh hope of the most improbable of escapes, given their early season
form. They have also strengthened their squad of late, drafting in Doudou and
Jalo Iffufo to provide extra attacking flair.
With confidence high in the Farnborough side, it is likely that Iain Turner will
see some action on his Chester City debut. The Everton youngster, previously of
Stirling Albion, has been brought in by Mark Wright on a month’s lone to fill
the vacant goalkeeper’s spot, following the departure of fellow Scot, Ian
McCaldon’s departure from the Deva. Relying on a keeper of such inexperience in
not ideal at such a crucial time for the club, but Turner is highly rated at
Everton and has no doubt received some good tips from his coach, the former
Rangers, Sheffield Wednesday and England goalkeeper Chris Woods.
Wright has some other less-than-straightforward decisions to make regarding team
selection ahead of tomorrow’s encounter. Midfielder Paul Carden will miss the
game due to suspension, and will be covered by either Andy Harris, the more
likely choice given his defensive capabilities, or Ben Davies. Furthermore, the
return of Carl Ruffer from his suspension provides the manager with a dilemma in
defence: four high quality centre-halves and only three positions to fill.
Wright has a tendency to favour incumbency this season, which would point
towards a Phil Bolland/Scott Guyett/Danny Collins trio, yet Ruffer’s consistency
over the season could see one of the aforementioned make way.
The Blues first home game in almost a month is eagerly anticipated. A three
point banker on the fixture list two months ago, this game suddenly has a
greater sense of unpredictability about it. As league leaders, City go in as
favourites, but don’t expect it to be all that simple.
of the season with a golden opportunity to return to league football. There is a
belief and expectation surrounding this team that was perhaps lacking last time
around, despite the fact that the club came so close to achieving their ultimate
goal on that occasion. Hereford United’s draw at Scarborough on Tuesday night
now means that the Blues’ destiny is well and truly in their own hands. Fresh
from a two week break, the players will look to reinforce this point at home to
Farnborough Town tomorrow.
Memories of a tough encounter at Cherrywood Road in September should ensure that
the home side do not underestimate their visitors from the Surrey/Hampshire
border, but should this not suffice they only need to take a look at their
opponents’ recent form for incentive. Indeed, Farnborough achieved arguably
their result of the season in their last Conference outing, thumping near
neighbours and high-flyers, Aldershot Town, 4-0 in front of a bumper home crowd.
Their results as a whole have been much improved over a longer period, with
surprise victories in December over Barnet and Stevenage Borough, securing a
healthy dose of revenge over former owner Graham Westley in the process.
Furthermore, they prevailed recently in a crucial relegation scrap at Leigh RMI,
giving frsh hope of the most improbable of escapes, given their early season
form. They have also strengthened their squad of late, drafting in Doudou and
Jalo Iffufo to provide extra attacking flair.
With confidence high in the Farnborough side, it is likely that Iain Turner will
see some action on his Chester City debut. The Everton youngster, previously of
Stirling Albion, has been brought in by Mark Wright on a month’s lone to fill
the vacant goalkeeper’s spot, following the departure of fellow Scot, Ian
McCaldon’s departure from the Deva. Relying on a keeper of such inexperience in
not ideal at such a crucial time for the club, but Turner is highly rated at
Everton and has no doubt received some good tips from his coach, the former
Rangers, Sheffield Wednesday and England goalkeeper Chris Woods.
Wright has some other less-than-straightforward decisions to make regarding team
selection ahead of tomorrow’s encounter. Midfielder Paul Carden will miss the
game due to suspension, and will be covered by either Andy Harris, the more
likely choice given his defensive capabilities, or Ben Davies. Furthermore, the
return of Carl Ruffer from his suspension provides the manager with a dilemma in
defence: four high quality centre-halves and only three positions to fill.
Wright has a tendency to favour incumbency this season, which would point
towards a Phil Bolland/Scott Guyett/Danny Collins trio, yet Ruffer’s consistency
over the season could see one of the aforementioned make way.
The Blues first home game in almost a month is eagerly anticipated. A three
point banker on the fixture list two months ago, this game suddenly has a
greater sense of unpredictability about it. As league leaders, City go in as
favourites, but don’t expect it to be all that simple.
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