It could be an historic day at the Viridor Stadium tomorrow afternoon (31st March) when Town host Kidlington in the Evo-Stik League, kick-off 3.00pm.
With Bideford losing 3-0 at Evesham United in the only West Division game played today, the Peacocks know that victory over the Oxfordshire side combined with Wimborne failing to win at fellow play-off rivals Bristol Manor Farm will guarantee promotion to the Southern Premier for the first time in the club’s history. Of more immediate concern for Town though is guaranteeing that the game will beat the weather as constant rain today has left areas of the Viridor Stadium pitch waterlogged. Although the forecast indicates the rain easing off, a precautionary pitch inspection has been planned for tomorrow morning but every effort will be made to ensure the game goes ahead, especially as the visitors have midweek commitments right up until the end of the season. Until recently the Greens were in with a shout of a play-off spot but three successive defeats including two to lowly Bishops Cleeve and Slimbridge appear to have scuppered those hopes. However they have shown their capabilities by winning convincingly at both AFC Totton and Bideford in the past couple of months so Town know they can afford no complacency as they seek to extend their unbeaten league run to 27 games. The two sides fought out a 2-2 draw at Yarnton Road in the return fixture back in September after two goals from Matt Wright appeared to have won the game for Town until the hosts equalised in the final minute.
The Peacocks will be boosted by the return of three players for tomorrow. Keith Emmerson (holiday) and Pierce Mitchell (injury) have both missed the last two matches while midfielder Ryan Brett had to cry off from Tuesday’s meeting with Wimborne due to a gastric bug. However there is an injury doubt over Ben Adelsbury for tomorrow’s game. Manager Leigh Robinson commented:” It could potentially be a good weekend as I am told there is a chance we can clinch promotion if we win and other results go our way. It’s difficult to know what to expect from Kidlington tomorrow as they were very useful against us earlier in the season but seem to have had some differing results of late. As always we’ll approach this game the same as any other and hope that we can get the job done.”
A reminder that all Armed Forces personnel can enjoy admission to the game tomorrow for only £1 subject to ID being displayed at the turnstile.