After a weather-impacted December, the Peacocks will be hoping for a more favourable January which begins with the visit of Concord Rangers to the Cygnet Health Care Stadium tomorrow (7th January), ko 3.00pm.
Town have fallen considerably behind with their fixtures after seeing Vanarama National League South games called off or pushed back in recent weeks due to a combination of waterlogged and frozen pitches along with success in cup competitions. Consequently they have only played 18 matches to date, at least three fewer than any other side in the division and up to eight less than a number of others. Seven games are scheduled during this month alone including next weekend’s FA Trophy trip to Torquay United as the Peacocks seek to play catch-up and with four more League matches still to rearrange, a big workload awaits the Town squad in the second half of the season.
A new year kicks off at the Cygnet with the visit of Canvey Island-based Concord tomorrow and given respective League positions it is a game that the Peacocks will looking to gain maximum reward from. The Beach Boys lie in 20th spot, three places and two points adrift of Town and having played four more matches. After a Concord run of three wins and a draw was ended by defeat at leaders Dartford at the end of November, their more recent form is variable. They recovered to win their next game against Hemel Hempstead before two draws were sandwiched by a loss at Cheshunt. On the road they have won twice this season with victories at Hungerford and Dover.
The Peacocks are aiming to extend their unbeaten League run to six games tomorrow and go into the contest in buoyant mood after winning their last match 3-1 at Weymouth. Apart from centre half Dan Ball who has a knock, Town will have a full strength squad to select from, with striker Nat Jarvis available as reported last week following the successful appeal against his dismissal at Slough. Head of Football Rob Dray remarked:” Hopefully the rain stays away, and we can get back to playing all these games. On paper, 26 League games looks daunting but as the cliché goes, we focus on one game at a time, especially with our small squad. The players are desperate to get going again and continue our little run.”
There are currently no problems with the Cygnet pitch and an inspection is not planned. However should the situation change, updates will be posted on the usual channels tomorrow morning.
Matchday Information
Turnstiles, Bar, Club Shop and Refreshment Outlets open at 1.00pm
Admission is payable by card or cash at the turnstile only, priced at £12 for Adults, £10 for Concessions and £5 for Juniors (14-17 years). Under 14’s are free on condition they are accompanied by an adult. Unaccompanied Under 14’s will not be admitted.
Printed Match Programmes will be available to purchase tomorrow from the Club Shop
The programme is also available to read online HERE
We extend our grateful thanks to tomorrow’s Match Sponsors Neville Coles Education Ltd
We welcome our Matchday Mascots tomorrow Ruishton Under 9’s
Last meeting: the Peacocks made the trip to Canvey Island for their first away fixture in the National League South back in August but lost 1-0 following a first half Ben Williamson penalty. Relive the match highlights HERE