Today’s column is from assistant manager Neil Sorvel…
We were pleased to pick up our first point of the season on Tuesday night at Chester, but it’s been a tough start to the campaign against full-time York City and Chester who have adopted the hybrid approach this season, which makes them almost full-time.
Both York and Chester have improved since last season but if we can get anywhere near where we were last season then we are definitely fully capable of beating either of those teams.
Action from the opening day defeat against York:
Today, we are on our travels again, making the long journey to take on Gloucester City, who have been transferred from the South to the North division, as part of the geographical changes this season.
Gloucester City play at Evesham United’s ground these days and won at Blyth Spartans on the opening day of the season, before losing 2-0 at home to Hereford on Tuesday night.
It wasn’t easy to assess the Tigers on that display as they had a man sent off in each half, finishing with nine men, therefore they had to change their shape a couple of times during the match.
We are hoping that Simon Richman is available today. He’s an important player to us and with Sean Williams suspended for picking up two yellow cards in last Saturday’s 3-1 defeat against York, we could really do with Simon’s energy in midfield.
Nathan Arnold missed the 1-1 draw at Chester on Tuesday, due to a stomach bug and wasn’t able to train on Thursday, therefore he must be considered doubtful.
Lewis Walters was a big plus on Tuesday night, coming in on the left wing to replace Nathan.
Since Josh Hancock moved to the number 10 role, we have never really been able to nail that position down, so there is an opportunity for both Lewis and Nathan to do that this season.
Pictures: Michael Ripley
