MATCHWEEK EIGHT – THURSDAY PREVIEW
We are just halfway through #MatchweekEight and if tomorrows games are half as exciting as Monday’s, then we are in for a treat! In the Southern Division, we see a heavy-weight clash between first place Chesham United and second place Yate Town. In the Northern Division, first place Runcorn Linnets face third place Radcliffe and in the Midlands Division second place Mickleover (Red) meet third place Rushall Olympic (Amber)
Key Matchup
Yate Town v Chesham United
The Key Matchup of the week comes from the Southern Division, where division leaders Chesham United travel to Yate Town.
Chesham United have been very impressive so far in their Southern Division campaign and are the only team in the whole of the ESPFA to have a 100% record (6 games played, 6 wins). They will also be confident going into tomorrow’s game as they were the victors in the return fixture back in December. ‘The Generals’ ran out 3-1 winners on the day thanks to goals from Madison Wilkin, Callum Gerrard and George Blanks. The Chesham side believe that due to their excellent start they have a target on their back and teams will be upping their game when they face them. Chesham United student, Calum Charman said: “Currently we sit first in our league as the only team unbeaten and we are fully aware that every player in the other teams in our league would like to be us. We use this as motivation to train the hardest we possibly can and will continue to do so to make sure we are in in the position we are in currently, come the end of the season”.
Yate Town won’t be giving up on their ambitions of a division title too easily though, and since they tasted defeat for the first and only time against Chesham United in December, they have played three games, won all three and scored 17-goals. Sam Archer has been in superb form for Yate Town, scoring seven goals in their three games since the return of football on 12th April. He also earned the title of ‘Player of the Week!’ for #MatchweekSeven so will take some stopping by Chesham United.
Northern Division
Brighouse Town v Skelmersdale United
With Both teams facing defeat on Monday, they will equally be hoping to get back to winning ways. Skelmersdale still remain in a good position though, sitting in fourth place but just three points off the leaders, Runcorn Linnets, and with a game in hand on them also. The sides have already met once this year back in #MatchweekFour and Skelmersdale United narrowly won the game 1-0.
Radcliffe v Runcorn Linnets
This should be an excellent watch for the neutral as first place Runcorn Linnets travel to third place Radcliffe. Runcorn have been in good form of late and haven’t lost in the league since Radcliffe beat them 1-3 during #MatchweekTwo. Radcliffe on the other hand have scored 11 goals in their last two games but did taste defeat in their first game back against Witton Albion.
Witton Albion v Ossett United
As mentioned above, Witton Albion picked up their first points of the season after beating Radcliffe on the Monday of #MatchweekSeven but were humbled by Skelmersdale United in their next outing. Ossett United have restarted their campaign well with back-to-back wins over Mossley last week and now find themselves in second place, just one point behind leaders Runcorn Linnets.
Midlands Division
Rushall Olympic (Amber) v Mickleover (Red)
In the Midlands Division, third place Rushall Olympic (Amber) host second place Mickleover (Red) in what will be ‘The Pics’ second game since the restart. It hasn’t been a great start for them as Mickleover (Black) beat them 2-3 in the first game back on 12th April. Mickleover (Red) have had mixed joy since returning. They tasted defeat for the first time this season last Thursday against Stafford Rangers, but bounced back in style with a 0-9 route over Mickleover (Black).
Stafford Rangers v Carlton Town
Midlands division leaders Stafford Rangers have enjoyed their return to football after handing Mickleover (Red) their first defeat of the season last week and a big win v Belper Town on Monday. A win on Thursday for Stafford could see them become the first team in the ESPFA to reach the 20 point mark this season. Carlton Town however will be no push overs after winning their last two games in a row, mostly recently a very professional 3-1 win v Belper Town.
Southern Division
Frome Town v Rushall Olympic (Black)
Frome Town will go into this game full of confidence after picking up their first win of the season against Swindon Supermarine last week. The Robins bounced back from defeat in their first game back since the return with an excellent 1-4 win in their next outing. Rushall Olympic (Black) will be hoping to turn their fortunes round after losing their first two games of 2021.
Swindon Supermarine v Kidlington
These sides will be all too familiar with each other after meeting on their first game back on the 12th April. Kidlington were the victors on that occasion, winning 4-2 but ‘The Greens’ lost their most recent outing to Yate Town. Swindon Supermarine are yet to win since their first game of the season so both sides will be desperate to get back on track with three points.