Regardless of the wind and rain, Head Coach Glenn Pennyfather is looking forward to taking-on Grays Athletic in the last sixteen of the Essex Senior Cup.
He claims the Clarets need Regardless of the wind and rain, Head Coach Glenn Pennyfather is looking forward to taking-on Grays Athletic in the last sixteen of the Essex Senior Cup.
He claims the Clarets need tto make no extra provisions for the weather in their tactics as Julian Dicks’ side arrive for a second attempt at playing the tie.
With the fixture having been postponed once already due to a waterlogged pitch a few weeks ago, the teams will lock horns this time around looking to secure a place in Wednesday’s quarter-final draw and Pennyfather explained: “We’ll continue to play as normal as a wet pitch would be the same for both teams taking part. We want to keep going, one game at a time and want to remain unbeaten for as long as possible.”
As competition holders, the Essex Senior Cup is a special piece of silverware for the Clarets and Pennyfather reveals the club will be trying their best to retain it. He said: “This could have been an easier draw for us but they will be thinking the same. It’s our intention to defend this trophy as holders though Julian wants to win every match just the same as I do. I’m not sure how big their squad is now but they’ve had a long trip to Mansfield Town at the weekend so we’ll see how they shape-up.”
New signing Marlon Patterson is ineligible for the fixture while captain Dave Rainford, who will sit out Saturday’s game against Truro City through suspension, is likely to have his rest extended to avoid the escalation of a slight hamstring strain. Pennyfather continued: “We haven’t got the biggest squad at the moment but this game will give us the opportunity to give some minutes on the pitch to players who haven’t featured recently, like Ben Martin and John Martin. There’s still a bit of illness floating about and some players did well to come through Saturday’s game.”
Grays are having a tough time in 2009/10 so far, sitting four points adrift of Eastbourne Borough below the relegation cut-off point as their relatively new manager acclimatises in his first season at that level. Athletic have won, lost and drawn in their last three matches, consisting of a maximum of one goal in each game, though that run contained their only league victory since 29th September at home to Cambridge United.
A specially-reduced admission fee has been agreed by both clubs in a bid to attract extra spectators to the tie. While the game is ‘all pay’ due to the shared gate money applicable to the competition, adults can gain entry for just £6, concessions and students for £3 and under 16s for £1, with the usual extra £1 gaining a seat in the Main Stand. Should City make it through, the draw for the next round will be broadcast on BBC Essex at 4:30pm on Wednesday either by tuning-in to 103.5 FM or by visiting www.bbc.co.uk/essex.
