These are manager Steve Settle’s note from tonight’s programme, available on the gate for £2. Tonight’s game is subject to a pitch inspection, due to take place at 2pm.
Good evening all and welcome to Brookburn Road for this evenings league fixture against our friends from City of Liverpool FC. After a successful season in their inaugural year last year, gaining promotion at the first attempt, they have followed it up with a really solid showing this year and currently sit 7th in the league. Simon Burton has done a tremendous job and following or recent 6-1 defeat we’ll be looking to give a better showing tonight! In that performance last month the game was pretty even after 60 minutes and we were looking to make changes to win the game. Unfortunately, a capitulation in the last 30 minutes saw us on the wrong end of a thumping.
Following a mini revival with good results against Winsford and Darwen we were disappointed to go down 6-2 at Hanley in our last game. After falling 2 goals behind early and losing Ryan and Pottsy early we battled back into the game and going in at half-time 3-2. I was confident we could take the game to them. Unfortunately, we weren’t good enough in possession and got punished by some clinical finishing. We missed Jack in midfield and tried putting square pegs in round holes which ultimately caught up with us as the game went on. I’m hopeful Jack, Tinks, Carlos and Scott Mason will be back for this evening’s fixture which will help us get more quality into the team.
Following some of our poor defensive showings of late and with Ryan and Pottsy’s injuries in mind we have looked to strengthen defensively. We have signed Lanre Olapade on duel registration from Ashton United FC. Lanre is a central defender or Right Back and will bring some solidity to the back line. In addition to this I’m delighted to welcome back Matt Eckersley to West. Matt is arguably our best player of recent times and we’re delighted to get him back on board for the run in.
The next 6 games are big ones for the boys. If we can pick up 12 points from the next 6 we would be on 43 points from 31. That would provide us with a platform to look towards the top 10 as opposed to looking over our shoulder at the relegation zone.
On the injury front Ryan picked up a hamstring strain against Hanley and might be out for a few weeks. Pottsy took a knock which we are hoping won’t be too serious and Aaron Ashley is targeting February for his return.
At this juncture I’d like to mention young James Hodges. James signed as cover for Aaron and Steve Dryden from Hyde United and whilst he was a little thrown in at the deep end. He has impressed everyone at the club with his maturity and talent. I know Hyde rate James highly and I would add my name to the list of admirers if he continues to listen and learn, I’m sure he has an extremely bright future ahead of him. It’s been our pleasure to play a continued role in his development.
As always, thanks for the support and enjoy the game!
