#MatchweekSix - Preview
With a one week break over half-term, the players have been back in training this week and are ready to take the field for #MatchweekSix.
Key Matchup
Chesham United v Kidlington
The ‘Key Matchup’ for #MatchweekSix comes from the South Division where we have a real six pointer on the cards. Kidlington currently sit in second place in the division on seven points, with Chesham two points behind them in fourth place. A win for Kidlington would put the pressure on Rushall Olympic (Amber) in first place whereas a Chesham United win would be enough to leapfrog them above 'The Greens' in the table.
Whilst it has been important for the students to stay active during the half term, Redd Pratley, the #ESPFAOxfordshire coach for Kidlington has placed a big importance on resting over the break. He said: “I put a lot of emphasis on the boys to keep themselves active during the half term break. However, more importantly I encouraged them to use the week away as a bit of down time away from football so that they could come back this week with a clear head. That seems to have worked as they come back into training this week with lots of energy and excitement to train and play again, resulting in some excellent sessions.”
Despite Kidlington’s second spot in the league being at stake in this match, the visitors will not be changing their game plan. “We have prepared the same way for this game, as we have done for all of them. We have used the time to review our own performances and work on areas where we think we need to improve, as well as reviewing the highlights from Chesham’s games to analyse what the common themes in their game are.” Said Redd Pratley.
Chesham United have been very tight at the back this season, conceding just four goals in their four games played. This week their attack will get a boost having Madison Wilkin, their top scorer from last year back in the squad. Madison started the year with an ankle injury and was able to play 10 minutes in their last outing v Rushall Olympic (Black). #ESPFABuckinghamshire coach for Chesham United, Gary Forde said: “Last season showed Madison's qualities, every team would love him in their squad [but] All great teams understand the importance of how to deal with transition in a game. We always practice both phases and what roles individual have.”
North Division
Ossett United v Witton Albion
Witton travel make the short journey to Yorkshire to face Ossett United with both teams still searching for their first win of the season. The sides met in #MatchweekOne in the reverse fixture in a brilliant game for the neutral. Witton started that game on fire and found themselves 2-0 up within 10 minutes. A Regan Dixon free kick before the break cut the deficit and Ossett found an equaliser mid-way through the half.
Skelmersdale United v Belper Town
Belper are another team who are still winless in the 2021/22 campaign but with Ossett United and Witton Albion playing each other who are currently above them in the table, a win would be enough to climb them up the table. Skelmersdale United will be confident going into this fixture haven’t not been beaten since #MatchweekThree. A win is vital for the #ESPFALancashire side who remain in pursuit of Brighouse Town and Runcorn Linnets in the spots above them.
Mickleover v Runcorn Linnets
Mickleover host Runcorn Linnets in this mouth-watering fixture that happens to be a replay of one of the ESPFA National Championship games from last season. Mickleover won on that occasion but face a rejuvenated Runcorn Linnets side that can extend their lead at the top of the table with second place Brighouse Town not playing this week.
South Division
Carlton Town v Rushall Olympic (Black)
In the Southern Division, Rushall Olympic (Black) face Carlton Town for the second time in three weeks. Their return fixture in #MatchweekFive saw Carlton Town take the lead within three minutes through Tiago Mata but Rushall Olympic (Black) levelled it up before the break. An enthralling second half saw Rushall then take the lead and faced a late barrage from Carlton Town but just had enough to hang on. With Carlton desperate for a win, this could be another great game between the two sides.
Frome Town v Rushall Olympic (Amber)
Frome Town welcome a strong Rushall Olympic (Amber) in search of their second win of the season. Having just played two games so far, Frome will know the importance of picking up early points in the season. Rushall Olympic (Amber) find themselves at the top of the division, but level on points with Kidlington in second. A win would be enough to hang on to the first spot whilst also playing a game less than Kidlington.