Match Preview: FA Trophy Preliminary Round
Cirencester Town (Centurions) v Basingstoke Town
When: Saturday 12th October 2019 Kick-off 3.00pm
Where: The Corinium Stadium, Kings Hill Lane, Cirencester, Glos. GL7 1HS
Well following our first league win of the season, that comeback from a two-goal deficit to snatch the lead on 90 minutes, we now head back on the road to seek a win at Cirencester Town in the FA Trophy preliminary round.
Back on the road is accurate as we head back into Gloucestershire again and also not surprising is that the town of Cirencester is yet one more team with no train station. Only 56 miles from Winklebury it is easily reached via the M4/A419 route.
Turning to our opponents Cirencester Town, they had the luxury of a bye in the FA Trophy, whilst we were 3-4 winners at North Leigh.
Unlike us, they are still in the League Cup after beating Wantage Town on penalties and think they now face Fleet Town in the second round.
As for their exploits in the FA Cup, whilst we were losing to Westfield at home in the preliminary round, Cirencester were thrashing little North Greenford Utd 5-0. Cirencester then went on to beat Gosport Borough 1-0. Cirencester then faced National League South, Chippenham Town in the second qualifying round and after drawing 2-2 at home, then went onto lose 4-3 in the replay at Chippenham.
Moving to the league the Centurions are managed by Charlie Griffin and sit in 10th place in the league following last night’s goalless draw at Moneyfields, with an overall record of PLD 8 WON 3 DRAWN 1 LOST 4 GF 13 GA 13 with a total of 10pts.
Their leading goalscorer is midfielder Michael Pook, with three goals, whilst forwards Alan Griffin (younger brother of the manager), Josh Parsons and midfielders Jonny Dennis and Oliver Artwell have two goals each.
Cirencester’s home form shows that they are capable of scoring goals with over an average of two goals per game in league and cups.
As for your Basingstoke Town the last time we played them in the league was back in January 2017, when we came away from Cirencester with all 3 points in a 2-3 victory, with a stunning last gasp 95th minute Nana Owusu free-kick winner, however we did lose to them 0-1 at home earlier in the season.
Manager Dan Brownlie, still unbeaten since he took over the reins, has money at stake in this game. The winners not only get through to the first qualifying round, but also pick up a cheque for £2,250. Yes it’s not in the FA Cup prize money stakes, but it’s money that could be used to strengthen the squad.
His squad have had the week to rest and get over any niggling injuries and if forward Ben Wright has recovered from his injury, then possibly just defender Ryan Suckling (sent off for dangerous play at Mangotsfield), will be unavailable for selection this Saturday.
I have to admit it was a little surprising to see midfielder Jordan Edwards make such a significant role in the win against Highworth Town, but that can only be good going forwards.
Riccardo Andrady continues to impress the fans and with Claudio Herbert we possess real speed when attacking
We currently sit in 18th place in the league with a record that stands at Played 9 Won 1 Drawn 3 Lost 5 with just 6pts, with our next match at Winchester on Saturday 19th against Melksham Town.
With the current team spirit, I am expecting a big performance this Saturday, which on paper is going to be a tough match-up.
It would be good to see forward Zach Robinson get on the goal-sheet again as this can only improve his confidence in front of goal.
We scored 4 goals on the road at North Leigh and will probably need at least two goals against Cirencester on Saturday.
With it being Non-League Day, I am a few fans will take the opportunity to come and support your team this Saturday, despite the expected rain on the day.
Match Preview by Martin French..
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