Back in October, Matt Payne and Mark Critoph achieved their first away win since taking charge of the Stutes at a blustery Welden Road stadium in Newport Pagnell. It was a preview of what was to come as over the next few months a revitalised Histon transformed from being a side floundering in the bottom third of the table into play-off contenders. This Saturday, we play the reverse fixture at Bridge Road, looking to record a sixth win in seven games to further cement our place in the leading pack.
The five-nil win at GNG Oadby Town last weekend will have done the confidence levels within the side no harm at all. Connor Barnes notched up his 23rd goal of the season last week and Jordan Foster, who made his Histon debut at Newport Pagnell, was also on the scoresheet to take his total for the season to 13, two ahead of centre-back Max York on 11. With an average of 3.3 goals per game over the past two months, it is little wonder that we are now joint top scorers in UCL Premier Division South.
Newport Pagnell Town have struggled away from home since the early stages of the season and have now lost seven of their last eight games on the road. Their most notable performance away from home came in their 2-3 win at March Town United, although that was over five months ago back in August. They have struggled for consistency for much of the season and currently sit in ninth place in the table on 36 points, 8 adrift of the play-off places. But they are not without some impressive fire-power of their own with both Jake Watkinson and Corvell Pickering on 16 goals for the season so far. They are a pair the Histon defence will need to keep a close eye on if we are to claim all three points on Saturday
In all, we have played Newport Pagnell on seven previous occasions in the league with The Swans winning three and The Stutes winning four. There has never been a draw between the two sides. Last season we came out on top at Bridge Road by two goals to nil with Jake Kerins and Connor Barnes the scorers.
Looking ahead at the fixtures coming up in February, co-manager Mark Critoph says in his programme notes for Saturday’s game, “It is going to be a very tough month and may ultimately decide where we end up in the league table. Whether we finish in the top few or are trying to hang on for a place in the play-offs, February may be the deciding moment in the season.” Saturday’s programme also includes an introduction to Ben Netherclift, our latest First team signing and our first ever from New Zealand (unless you know otherwise).
Entrance will be at the usual rates of £10 for adults, £6 for concessions and £2 for 12 to 17-year-olds. Accompanied under 12s are admitted for free. Kick off is at 2pm and the gate will be open from 12.30 when a live Premier League game will be on TV in the club bar.
Your support at Bridge Road on Saturday could make all the difference as we go into what looks like being the most exciting few months in the club’s recent history. Let’s get behind the Stutes and bring some glory back to Bridge Road.
Saturday’s game is sponsored by the Parker family.
