The Peacocks play their first home game of 2020 when they welcome Gosport Borough to the Cygnet Health Care Stadium tomorrow afternoon (4th January), kick-off 3.00pm.
A barren festive period for Town saw them lose both their fixtures, a home setback to Weston-super-Mare followed by a derby defeat to Tiverton who snatched the points in stoppage time. The last occasion the Peacocks lost twice in a row was the first two league matches of the campaign, ironically the first being against tomorrow’s visitors who will be seeking a double after recording a comfortable 3-0 win over Town at Privett Park on the opening day of the season.
Despite their two losses on the spin, the Peacocks still occupy fifth spot but will not have an easy job on their hands against the Hampshire side who lie two places and two points beneath them, although having played three more games. Their recent form has not been especially impressive though, having registered just one win from their last six league games, a 1-0 victory over Harrow Borough last month. Since then they have gone three matches without a win and a goal, successive stalemates against Metropolitan Police and Blackfield and Langley followed by a 1-0 New Year’s Day reverse to Hartley Wintney. However the Peacocks will be mindful of Gosport’s capabilities after the defeat in August despite Town performing well below their best.
There will be changes to the Peacocks team against Gosport with Harry Kite being recalled for a week by his parent club Exeter City where he is included in the first team squad tomorrow for their game against Ipswich Town. Bristol City loanee Zac Smith’s spell with Town has also ended, with the young midfielder now joining National League South club Bath City on loan. We would like to thank Zac for his contribution whilst at the club and wish him the best of luck for the future. Commenting on the two loan players, Head of Football Rob Dray said:” Zac goes to Bath to continue his development. He has been superb for us, not just as a player but as a young man. I wish him well and will hopefully see him again soon. Harry’s inclusion in the Exeter first team squad is another great achievement and pleasing to see that we can play our part in developing these young players’ careers.”
Owen Windsor’s loan from West Bromwich Albion is being extended by another month while Bristol City youngster Ryley Towler has also joined the club on a month’s deal as reported earlier, and both will be included tomorrow subject to all paperwork being processed. Striker Jake Jackson meanwhile has returned to Gloucester City. Shane White who was on the bench for the Tiverton game should be fit for selection.
Dray continued:” Sometimes in this league you do not get what you deserve but this group of players will keep running and give maximum effort to get the results we all want. We had unbelievable support at Tiverton, and we need it again tomorrow as we aim to get back on track.”