Match Preview: Southern League Premier South
Chertsey Town vs Basingstoke Town
When: Saturday 7th March 2026 Kick-off 3pm
Where: Alwyns Lane, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 9DW
Nickname – The Curfews, 2025-26 Curr League Position 6th
Two decent and successful Hampshire Cup victories, masked what was a poor league performance at home to Gosport, and if not for some fortunate midweek league results, that went our way, our league position, could have been far worse, as we head to Chertsey Town tomorrow.
We played Chertsey back in October at Winklebury, and it was Bradley Wilson’s shot that gave us a halftime lead, as it deflected in for an own goal, just before the break. Chertsey hit back with an equaliser, but a questionable penalty decision, deep into added-time allowed James Clark to give us all three points with the 2-1 victory.
Our Opponents
After two managerial changes at the start of the season, Toby Little, who was a previous player, stepped from an assistant role, and currently holds the managerial job.
Their overall record sits at Pld 31 Won 14 Drawn 9 Lost 8 and 49pts. Their home record is however average with 7 wins, 4 draws and 4 losses. Since playing them earlier in the season, they lost their star-striker Jack Mazzone (eight goals), who joined division rivals Bracknell, just after Stoke goal-legend Bradley Wilson, arrived at Alwyns Lane. Bradley has added eight goals since arriving, which gives him a combined thirteen goals this season. Oliver McCoy, also sits on eight goals, who started off with Birmingham City, with loans spells at Yeovil Town, Wealdstone and Beaconsfield, but more recently Chesham Utd. Nathan Minhas, joined from Chesham in January, and has three goals since arriving.
The midfield contains Garry Abisogun, who signed for The Curfews in September 2020 as a wide attacker, staying for two seasons, spending time at Bracknell Town, Slough Town and Chesham United, before re-joining this term. He has added four goals in recent games. Ashley Lodge (35) originally with Staines Town, is back for his third spell with the club, having spent two years and 99 appearances at Bracknell Town, but joined again after being at Chesham United last season. Daniel Berry, has added four goals from the right side of midfield. Previously at Raynes Park Vale, and before that Chipstead in 2023/24. Midfielder Luke Robertson signed for Hampton & Richmond Borough, ahead of the 2025/26 season, after two season as captain with the Curfews, but appears to have returned on loan in recent weeks. On loan from Leyton Orient, is Alfie Wellens (17), having joined at the end of February.
Back for another season is right-back Isaac Olorunfemi, after joining from Bracknell Town, having had spells at clubs such as Hanwell Town, Marlow & Egham Town. Eion Casey (34) Enjoyed seven seasons at Chesham United, making 197 appearances with 26 goals for the Generals in that time. Had a loan spell at Alwyns Lane last season which was cut short by injury. Signed as an attacker Aaron William-Fernandes (31), is currently set-up in the back four, began at Walsall in 2011 making six appearances. He has spent time at Worcester City, Nuneaton, Harrogate Town, & AFC Telford. He then spent three seasons at Newtown in the Cymru Premier League, before turning down a move to Spain, joining the Curfews. Alex Fisher, the current captain, is a left-sided player, and spent six years at QPR’s academy. Conor Lee (26), has added four goals from his fullback role. Previously at Spelthorne Sports, but then Metropolitan Police where he moved from over during the 2023 close season In goal it is likely to be Luke Wynne-Roberts, who was an ever-present between the sticks for Redhill last season, keeping 22 clean sheets along the way. Signed for the Curfews in the past close season. Was formally with AFC Wimbledon.
Our Basingstoke Town Side
Of course our wins against Gosport (Qtr), and Eastleigh (Semi) are of major significance, but and it’s a big but, the league loss at home to Gosport is of major concern, and increases our winless streak to eight in the league, and goals in the league at least, continue to be a struggle.
We now sit in fifteenth, and five points above the relegation places, with our record at Pld 32 Won 10 Drawn 6 Lost 16 and 36pts. Our away record sits at 3 wins, 4 draws and 8 losses, with our last away win being at Sholing, now over two months ago.
Our strikeforce for tomorrow, will likely see the return of Joe Grant, who brings a different style to the side, that has been sadly missing from other league performances. Cheick Sylla, is also likely to earn a starting role, whilst Robbie Gallagher & George Reid, maybe fighting for one slot, depending on how we set-up. Both missed Tuesday’s win against Eastleigh. The question, is what happens to Joe Barough, who has played well recently in a starting role, but may be eased to the bench alongwith Dan Rowe, who has been a used substitute in recent games.
The midfield contingent impressed against Eastleigh on Tuesday, but will need to be at its best tomorrow to get to grips against a strong Chertsey opposition. You would assume that very little will change from Tuesday then, with Tom Blake & Josh Green continuing their good partnership. Lloyd Snell is also likely to be a starter here once again, as his speed & skill, could be more influential in a role here. If we have a four-man midfield then James Dickson, is the likely candidate here. Ben Cook is another option, whilst D’Andre Brown will at least earn a spot on the bench, returning from injury. It is unclear if Rudy Allen will be available tomorrow.
The defence should be led once more by Jack Ball, and should be joined by Scott Armsworth as the centre-back pairing, thus allowing extra time for Billy Upton to gain more recovery from a long-hard season, especially as we may need him in that final push for safety. On the right should be James Clark, whilst Joe O’Loughlin, if available is the designated left back. Elliott Legg is the current back in either defensive back role. Simon Grant who earned his sixth clean-sheet on Tuesday night, will don the goalkeepers jersey once more tomorrow.
In 24-hours-time, we head into the final ten games of our season, against a Chertsey side, with Bradley Wilson, looking to continue their push for a playoff spot, and in what is expected to be a tight affair, as they don’t score, or concede that many goals.
Despite our good cup run, Basingstoke, need to find ways of hitting the back of the net, if we are to ease those concerns around any possible relegation worries.
Let’s go Stoke !
Match Preview by Martin French..
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