Match Preview: Isthmian South Central Division
Basingstoke Town Vs Chipstead Fc
When: Saturday 8th October 2022 Kick-off 3pm
Where: Winklebury Sports Complex, Winklebury Way, Basingstoke. RG23 8BF
Chipstead (Nickname – The Chips), Avg 2022-23 Home Att 96
Admission Prices: Adults £10, Concessions £7, Under 16’s £3, Under 12’s £1
Match Programmes £2
After the goal-less draw at Leatherhead last Saturday, and the clean-sheet in the Hants Snr Cup, we have not conceded a goal in our last four matches, as we host Chipstead, who we did the double over last season.
Almost twelve months ago, we defeated them via a brace from Conor Lynch in a 2-1 victory at home, then last February we fell a goal behind before Stefan Brown slotted in an equaliser from an acute angle just before halftime. We then deservedly picked up the points following a Bradley Wilson finish just past the hour in a 2-1 victory.
Our Opponents
The Chips are managed by Rob Kember who has now been in charge since April 2019, and is known for his playing career that included Crystal Palace, Woking and our own Basingstoke Town, as well as half a dozen other clubs. His assistant Rob Smith, also played for Crystal Palace & Woking, and was assistant Manager at Merstham prior to joining Chipstead.
They currently sit in an improved 13th place after winning their last two home games, which included last Saturday’s 2-1 win against Uxbridge.
Their record now sits at Played 7 Won 2 Drawn 1 Lost 4 with 7 pts. Their away record includes one draw and two losses, with a recent 3-0 loss at Marlow, whilst the draw was a 0-0 game at Bedfont Sports.
Their leading goalscorer is Jonathan Hood (aged 31), who has three goals on the season, and had to wait for international clearance to begin his career after joining from Barry Town United, having also played for Aegir in Iceland. With him is Michael Dixon (aged 30) who has one goal and joined during the close season from Tooting & Mitcham. Experienced Andy Kabuikusomo who also has one goal, will likely play a role, along with 33year-old Gabriel Odunaike who joined from Walton Casuals, having previously played at Corinthian Casuals.
The midfield is led by reliable 31 year-old Jensen Grant, who has two goals, who previously played for Three Bridges a few seasons back. Kofi Anokye-Boadi (aged 22), joined in the 2021/22 close season.
In defence we start with the experienced Daryl Coleman (aged 33), who is club captain this season has played for a host of clubs including Glebe last season, as well as Lingfield, Whyteleafe, Horsham, Corinthian Casuals, Dorking Wanderers and Walton Casuals. They have dependable defender Michak Stanic-Stewart (aged 24), who is happy to play at full-back or centre-half, whilst Jonathan GJoshe, (aged 19), has one goal on the season from the right-back, joined from Kingstonian during last season. At left-back could be 19 year-old Charlie Kennett who joined from Tooting Bec last season.
In goal is still Matt Kerbey (20) who was a member of Sutton United’s squad which won promotion to League 2 in May 2021, whilst goalkeeping coach David Wilkinson is the current back-up when needed.
Our Basingstoke Town Side
Following our fourth clean sheet, with the assured 5-0 win in the Hampshire Snr Cup, we switch back to the league with us sitting in sixth place as we host the Chips. Our record now sits at Played 7 Won 3 Drawn 2 Lost 2 Points 11
Our forward line, which was unable to break down a dogged Leatherhead defence will be the same with nine-goal Ezio Touray and eight-goal Bradley Wilson leading the way. George Reid who scored his fourth goal of the season in midweek, will be the creator on the wing.
Having picked up a number of injuries once again, the midfield roles are unclear, but vice-captain Michael Atkinson, will be the key part here. James Clark is likely to be another player to fill a role here, whist Aiden Lewis could also see a starting role as well, after his solid performance in Tuesday night’s win against the Royal Navy. Ben Mason could also see a start in a more attacking role here also after his first goal for the club.
The subs bench could see a number of players coming back from injuries, which includes Ashleigh Artwell, Brody Peart (injured Tuesday evening) and possibly Anton Rodgers. There could be a slot for Stefan Brown, whilst both D’Andre Brown, Sam Argent & Marcio Neves are still a week or two away.
The defence should see the centre-back partnership of Scott Armsworth & Billy Upton, whilst James Haworth is likely to start at left-back. The possible move of Mason into a more midfield role, would see Dan Williamson in the right-back slot. Add Nathan Smart & Callum Winchcombe as back-up roles on the bench, whilst Shaun Dallimore who played his first minutes for the club this season, could also see a seat on the bench too.
The goalkeeper’s gloves should this week be back with Mark Scott, who currently has two clean sheets from his two games.
Getting back to winning ways in the league is critical, especially on our own pitch, and Chipstead, who have improved in recent weeks are likely to put up strong resistance, but we are playing with confidence and good team camaraderie which will hopefully see us have all three points by 5pm tomorrow evening.
Match Preview by Martin French..
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