The Peacocks’ nine game unbeaten run in the Bet Victor Southern League will be put to the test when they travel to Salisbury tomorrow evening (15th October), kick-off 7.45pm.
Meetings between the two teams have often been high octane affairs in recent seasons and tomorrow’s match is shaping up to be no different, with the Wiltshire side sitting in sixth spot, one place and one point below Town but with a game in hand. The Whites have won four of their five league fixtures at the Ray Mac Stadium, the only reverse coming against Metropolitan Police last month while their only away defeat came at Chesham on the opening day of the campaign, their last game providing a comfortable 3-0 win at Hendon on Saturday so the Peacocks will undoubtedly face a hard task tomorrow evening.
Town’s only loss on the road similarly came on the first day of the season at Gosport and they will not be wanting to double that tally tomorrow as they look to keep in touch with the leading four sides. Two successive home victories can only have boosted the Peacocks’ confidence though as they seek a first ever win at the Salisbury ground since they moved there in 1997.
Ben Adelsbury faces a late fitness test after coming off at half time in Saturday’s match against Hayes & Yeading but his replacement Nick Grimes successfully came through the second half and there are no other concerns for the rest of the squad. Head of Football Rob Dray said:” It’s another big test against a big club in this division. Steve has again put together a side worthy of being at the top of this division so we will need cool heads tomorrow, but we go there in good shape.”
On The Road – Salisbury
Ground: Raymond McEnhill Stadium, Old Sarum, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 6PU
Directions: Exit A303 at Countess Roundabout onto A345 towards Amesbury/Salisbury. After leaving Amesbury, continue towards Salisbury past the traffic lights near the High Post Hotel on your right. At the beehive junction roundabout the ground is clearly signposted left. Take the second exit at this roundabout, passing the Park & Ride. At the next roundabout, take the second exit, continue straight on, go through the set of traffic lights (do not turn left) before turning left into Partridge Way (opposite Army Barracks entrance).
Admission: Adults £11, Concessions £7, Under 17’s £2, Under 5’s Free, Parking £1, Programme £2
Most recent meetings: It was honours even between the sides last season. The Peacocks won a thriller 4-3 at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium in November, with goals from Lewis Hall (2), Josh Nelmes and a stoppage time winner from Matt Buse. Pablo Haysham, a Nelmes own goal and a Luke Hopper penalty came in reply. Salisbury evened things up with a 3-2 home win in January. Town led twice through Shane White and Ryan Brett goals but the hosts secured the points through Hopper, Aaron Dawson and another added time winner through Dan Fitchett.