Chasetown up next as fixtures keep coming
It’s an unrelenting month is November in terms of the number of fixtures we’re playing but when you’re putting in the type of strong performances that we are at the moment, it’s certainly not something to complain about. Each game brings another opportunity and we’re ready for the next one.
The next one this time comes in the form of fellowStaffordshire club Chasetown who have enjoyed a decent season so far, especially in the FA Trophy, which they only exited on Saturday. And that was after a penalty shoot-out. More on that later.
But before we look ahead, it’s worth reflecting on where we’re at. Yes, it was frustrating not to find a way through Congleton’s packed defence on Saturday, but there was only one team likely to win that game and considering the home team’s form going into it, the only sensible conclusion that you can draw is that any frustration should be short-lived when you look at the bigger picture of what we are building here.
These are good times, and we need to enjoy them and appreciate the football we are seeing. The results may not always be what we hope for but the football we’re playing is eye-catching and the signs are that we can still improve. That’s exciting!
While we were getting much the better of a goalless draw at our local rivals Congleton, our opponents tomorrow were holding Alvechurch to the same scoreline after 90 minutes of their second-round tie in the FA Trophy. But having come through four rounds by beating Grimsby Borough, Hednesford, Bromsgrove Sporting and Belper – two of those on spot kicks – they succumbed from 12 yards this time to the higher ranked team.
We’ve been playing catch up with our league fixtures and are pretty much there now, while Chasetown still have plenty of games in hand and like us are just two points off the play-offs and well placed to make a charge up the table in the coming weeks.
We start tomorrow’s game in 10th but a victory could see us go into the play offs if Congleton fail to beat Clitheroe as none of Mossley, Runcorn or Kidsgrove are in action. It’s all very positive but our level-headed gaffer Bakes is not getting ahead of himself.
“It’s a boring adage I know but we’ll take one game at a time. I’ve really enjoyed seeing how the team has been developing in recent weeks and the signs are very promising but we’re not there yet.
“I’m just going to make sure that the players are well prepared for every game and are ready for the many challenges that we have ahead. It’s a long season and I’m sure there will be many twists and turns yet.”
In terms of team news for tomorrow, we will be without our skipper Tommy van der Laan for the visit of Chasetown,which means that Kyle Stubbs, who came on when Tommy got injured, will come back into the team and lead the boys out.
There’ll be a couple of familiar faces in Chasetown’s ranks as well. Max Chimenes and Joe Thompson – both once of this parish – will most likely be in the visitors’ squad.
Get yourselves down to Buckmaster Avenue and support the boys if you can.
Come on Castle!