An enthralling round of fixtures awaits as we see two regional derbies in the North Division and a huge match in the South Division wherefifth plays sixth. We preview all the action ahead of the #MatchweekSeven fixtures.
Key Matchup
Belper Town v Mickleover
#MatchweekSeven’s ‘Key Matchup’ comes from the North Division where we see the first #ESPFADerbyshire derby of the season. Mickleover make the short trip to Belper Town hoping to take the bragging rights back with them along with three points. A win for them would put pressure on Skelmersdale United in third place above them who don’t have a game scheduled. Belper on the other hand are still searching for their first win of the season and will hope the added motivation of a derby fixture can spur them on.
With no fixtures scheduled in the ESPFA last week due a student social personal development day and a charity run organised for Remembrance Day, the students have been had extra time to prepare for the #MatchweekSeven fixtures. Belper Town’s coach, Jack Sanders has used the time to work with his squad ahead of tomorrows game. He said: “Having had no game last week it has given me more time on the training pitch with the lads. It has given me a chance to build even more foundations and drill into the lads what I want us to be, in and out of possession.”
With both teams being part of the #ESPFADerbyshire region, this fixture has the added pressure of being a local derby. #ESPFADerbyshire student and Belper Town academy striker, Fynn Marshall, will be using this as extra motivation going into the game. He said: “We’ve been waiting for that first real result, and it would be a real confidence boost to get it against a local club. We’ve discussed in training how we feel like we’ve not deserved some of our current results and with Mickleover being so local we’ve found even more motivation to win.”
Mickleover also feel like they were unlucky in their last outing against Runcorn Linnets and are eager to get back into the winning habit. The Mickleover academy coach, Aaron Large said: “At times during the Runcorn game, we were very good. We managed to get back into the game at 3-0 down and brought it back to 3-2 and we had a couple of forced changes due to injuries and tiredness and this changed the momentum of the game which unfortunately they capitalised on. The game on Thursday is massive for the group, we need the three points, anything else would be a disappointment”
North Division
Brighouse Town v Ossett United
Another regional derby in the North Division sees Brighouse Town face West Yorkshire rivals Ossett United, who will be in high spirits after tasting victory for the first time in their last outing against Witton Albion. Brighouse Town have a chance to match Runcorn Linnets point total above them in first place with the #ESPFACheshire side playing in the cup this week rather than the league.
South Division
Carlton Town v Yate Town
Yate Town make the trip to Nottinghamshire in good form and remain unbeaten since their first game of the season. Since their opening day defeat to Kidlington, the #ESPFASouthGloucestershire side have picked up seven points out of a possible nine and a win here would take them into third place.
Frome Town v Chesham United
We have a good old fashioned six-pointer on our hands here as fifth place Chesham United head to sixth place Frome Town. Both sides got their campaign off to a flyer and won their first game of the season but haven’t won since then. A win for Frome Town would move them above Chesham in the table whereas The Generals could move up to third place in the division depending on the Carlton Town v Yate Town result.