Season starts warming up

By dwebber

WITH the wintry weather having played havoc with the Essex non-league football programme last weekend and again during the week, resulting in scores of scheduled games being called off, most managers will be hoping for a reprieve from the big freeze this Saturday.

The biggest losers last weekend were Chelmsford City whose game was one of the few to go ahead, but they lost 3-1 down in South Wales against Newport County.

It meant City's lead at the top of the Blue Square South was cut to six points over arch rivals AFC Wimbledon who won all their three holiday games.

But City manager Jeff King is unperturbed saying: "There's a long way to go yet as we're only starting the second half of the season. I didn't expect us to be top at this stage but we'll bounce back from last week's defeat and I'm not worried about other clubs."

City entertain Hampton & Richmond Borough on Saturday and should have flu' victim Steve Ward back along with midfielder Ollie Berquez who missed last week's game through a family bereavement.

On Monday evening City host Dagenham & Redbridge in the Essex Senior Cup Quarter-Finals; kick-off is 7.30pm to allow for possible extra-time and penalties as there must be a result on the night.

King has also confirmed that he expects to have a couple of new faces in his squad to "freshen it up" and is still confident they will gain promotion this season.

Braintree Town travel to Bromley for a Blue Square South match with a confident squad after their double festive wins over neighbours Bishop's Stortford.

With their recent good run of success since caretaker player manager Bradley Quinton took over at the end of November – they've only lost one game – the 29-year-old is all lined up to take on the job permanently.

Iron chairman, Lee Harding, this week confirmed it was a distinct possibility but stressed that no decision had been taken and it would be up to the board.

"Brad has done a fine job since stepping in to take over with the side back playing the Braintree way which is entertaining football," said Harding. "It's also nice to see the players with a smile on their faces again.

"If Brad does get the job we know that as a player he will need to have an experienced joint manager sitting in the dug-out who can help him better when it comes to changing tactics and players during a match."

Quinton is keen to get the job but adds: "We'll see how it goes and I'm talking all the while to the chairman who is clearly pleased with what we are doing and the results we've been getting."

Another manager hoping his side plays this weekend is Heybridge Swifts' Wayne Bond who remain bottom of the Ryman League Premier Division with games in hand over clubs immediately above them.

"We need the games to get the points and I'm confident we can escape relegation," he said. "It's consistency we now need and the players are confident and are playing well."

Swifts entertain Horsham this Saturday while another Ryman League Premier Division side are in desperate need of points but for a different reason.

Billericay Town, sitting comfortably placed near the play-off positions, will be hoping to pick up all three points when they go Wealdstone.

"It won't be easy because they are a tough side on their own ground," explained joint manager Grant Gordon. "But we'll be prepared and up for it and the lads know that a couple of wins will put us up nicely on the edge of the play-offs."

Town 'lost' their league match at home to Canvey Island on Saturday and their league cup match at Waltham Abbey on Tuesday, both because of frozen pitches.

"It's frustrating for everyone particularly the players who are itching to get back in action," he added.

Also frustrated was Brentwood Town manager Carl Griffiths who hopes his side's home game with Waltham Abbey goes ahead on Saturday, particularly seeing that their title rivals and current leaders Aveley beat the weather last Saturday to record a 2-0 win at Thamesmead Town.

Griffiths said: "Our next three games are crucial if we want to maintain our promotion ambitions and I will be looking for a maximum of nine points."

After Saturday's game they host Cheshunt on Tuesday and Thamesmead the following Saturday.

"We've a full squad available, ready and raring to go so we hope these games go ahead because we must keep picking up the points to maintain our challenge," he added.

After a defeat and draw in their last two games Maldon Town manager Stuart Nethercott will be hoping his players are on song for their trip to Ware on Saturday.

The Hertfordshire club have recently had a change of manager plus an exodus of players so they are an unknown quality, says Nethercott.

"But we've no injuries, no suspension and a 19 strong squad available and it's three points I want from that game."

In the Essex Senior League, table-toppers Romford have no game this Saturday but second placed Takeley can make up ground if they beat Basildon United in their away match.

For match reports and reaction, get the Essex Chronicle and Gazette next week