Uhlsport United Counties League, Premier Division South
Saturday February 25th 2023
March Town United v HISTON
Kick Off 3:00pm
A rare trip north awaits The Stutes as Lance Key takes his side to the heart of The Fens to visit March Town United.
Histon will be seeking to prolong their unbeaten run, which now amounts to 5 games following Tuesday evening’s 1-1 draw against MK Irish. Meanwhile, our hosts The Hares will be hoping to get back on track having only won 1 of their previous 6 league outings, seeing their healthy position within the top 6 take a hit.
Like ourselves, The Hares are encountering their first season with the United Counties League, having been moved laterally from the Eastern Counties League, where they had seen action for 68 consecutive years since 1954. Promotion was gained from the ECL’s Division One North at the conclusion of the curtailed 2021/22 season.
The two sides previously met in league action back on August 29th, when The Stutes became the first team to collect 3 points from The Hares who previously held a 100% record. The opening goal came for the home side after 17th minutes courtesy of an own goal, before Scott Callaghan levelled things up. Rhys Thorpe collected the winner for The Stutes with 15 minutes remaining, helping his side to their second league victory and first on home soil.
In recent weeks March appear to have been their own worst enemies, with ill-discipline seeming to impact their progress. In their home tie against Bugbrooke St Michael, The Hares suffered the loss of two goalkeepers, Jonah Gill and outfield player Cavan King who then donned the gloves, whilst also conceding 3 penalties that afternoon. All 3 penalties were conceded as the hosts were defeated 3 goals to 1. Not two weeks later again two Hares saw red, this time at Eynesbury Rovers when the experienced striker Craig Gillies and Sam Green both headed for an early bath in a 4-2 loss. Gillies turned from hero to villain having already netted a brace. In their last league fixture Coventry Sphinx produced a fine display as they hit 5 past Jonah Gill, a side that may well be the ones in poll position to reach the runners-up spot. In midweek a League Cup victory was gained over Godmanchester Rovers on penalties, with the scores tied at 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes.
The aforementioned Gillies along with Jack Friend have provided the most joy for The Hares faithful, with the pair having scored 35 goals between them in all competitions. Rob Conyard had ably assisted the side having tallied 10 goals thus far, though he recently departed for neighbours Wisbech Town. First Team Coach Guy Habbin also recently left the club to take the reigns at Ely City, whilst Kings Lynn Town loanee Tyler Knowles also departed, which may have impacted the side. Overall The Hares have scored 44 times in the league, conceding 33, with 6 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats having been witnessed at their home of The GER.
Lance Key will be forced to shuffle his pack slightly with the departure of loanee Jay Rolfe back to his parent club, Royston Town. The ever improving and capable San Collison will likely re-enter the fray. Max York will seek to make his 250th appearance for The Stutes as he hopes to help his side maintain an improved defensive record of late. The Stutes have conceded just once in their last 5 outings, that goal coming on Tuesday evening’s tie with MK Irish. With a very bright and attacking looking bench in recent games, there will be plenty of options for the Manager to call upon if required.
Ground Address: GER Ground, Robingoodfellow’s Lane, March, PE15 8HS
Travel Time (from Bridge Road): 44 mins 27 miles
