A daunting programme of seven games in the final two weeks of the Vanarama National League South begins for the Peacocks when they travel to Hampton & Richmond tomorrow afternoon (6th April), ko 3.00pm.
And what a crucial fortnight it will be, with Town knowing the size of the task ahead of them as they strive to secure sufficient points to retain their status for next season. Wednesday’s narrow defeat to Maidstone United kept them stuck in 22nd spot, one point behind 20th placed Eastbourne Borough but with two games in hand, and with Dover Athletic already officially relegated, as many as eight other clubs could potentially be dragged into the fight to avoid occupying one of the other three berths in the dropzone come April 20th.
The Peacocks will be determined they are not one of them but first they desperately need to break a sequence of six defeats in a row and no goal scored in their last three games. Their performance against Maidstone will have given cause for confidence although it will be a tough ask tomorrow against a Hampton side sitting in sixth position and needing every point themselves to guarantee a place in the play-offs, especially after an indifferent recent spell in which they have failed to win in four games. Home draws with Welling United and Tonbridge Angels have been coupled with defeats at Torquay United and Worthing and with the Beavers having won 12 and lost only three at the Beveree Stadium this season they will start as favourites tomorrow.
The hosts have recalled loan striker Alfy Whittingham from Havant & Waterlooville in time for the match tomorrow whilst the Peacocks welcome back Dan Lavercombe in goal who hasn’t donned the gloves since being injured at Torquay last month. Skipper Nick Grimes and Zac Smith are still not fit though to return. Head of Football Rob Dray remarked:” After the away day in midweek we weren’t expecting, we’re back on the road again against a top six side to begin a very tough week. There are loads of positives from the Wednesday game though and we must try to maintain those levels for tomorrow.”
Traveller Info
Ground: The Beveree Stadium, Beaver Close, Hampton, London TW12 2BX
Ground to Ground: 135.7 miles (via A303/M3)
Directions: exit the M3 at junction 1 (Sunbury Cross – signposted for Hampton Court), and then follow the A308 towards Kingston. Continue on the A308, past Kempton Park Racecourse, and as you enter Hampton, turn first left into Percy Road. Continue along Percy Road, and then turn right into Station Road just before the level crossing, continuing for quarter of a mile. Beaver Close is on your left hand side opposite the garage.
Admission: Tickets can be purchased online in advance at a reduced price of Adults £12, Concessions (Senior Citizens, Students) £12, 16-18 year olds £5, Under 16s £3, Under 5’s Free
Admission is also payable at the gate priced at Adults £19, Concessions £15, 16-18 year olds £5, Under 16s £3, Under 5’s Free accompanied by adult.
Please note that the stadium operates on a cashless basis. All payments at the turnstile, catering outlets and club shop will need to be made by card.
Match commentary: coverage will be available on Peacocks Radio
Last meeting: the Beavers became the first side to win in the league at Wordworth Drive back in October thanks to a second minute goal from Mason Bloomfield. Relive the match highlights HERE