Uhlsport United Counties League, Premier Division South
Tuesday February 14th
Newport Pagnell Town v HISTON
Kick Off 7:45
The Stutes take to the road once again, seeking to collect a third successive win as they face the fifth placed Swans at Willen Road.
The sides will try again at the third attempt to play this fixture, after a combination of poor weather and County Cup action has seen this tie postponed on two occasions. Both teams come into the game showing clear signs of intent, the home side still feeling they can mount a championship challenge to Rugby Town, whilst the visitors still harbour aspirations to break into the top 5 in the division.
This is evident with The Swans remaining undefeated in their last 6 UCL fixtures, with their only points dropped against sides around them, MK Irish and March Town United. However their County Cup and FA Vase successes have hampered their ability to fulfill league fixtures, as such they currently sit 6 games adrift of leaders Rugby Town. On Saturday afternoon Willen Road saw a bumper crowd of 990 through the turnstiles as Jersey Bulls visited in the last 16 of The FA Vase. The Islanders went home disappointed with the hosts collecting a slender 1-0 win thanks to a fine volley from Ben Shepherd. On Monday afternoon The Swans faithful will find out their Quarter-Final opponents.
In their possession The Swans have at their disposal some of the hottest property in the UCL in attack. Albie Hall has 25 goals from 26 appearances in all competitions, whilst Jake Watkinson has provided plenty of assistance with his 14 strikes from 23 games thus far. They were both kept quiet when they visited Bridge Road, a feat which Lance Key will be desperate to achieve once again here.
The last time the two sides met it was The Swans who came out on top. Back on September 3rd at Bridge Road goals either side of half time from Kieran Barnes and Christian Smail saw Newport Pagnell claim the points over a Stutes side that looks vastly different to it’s more recent line-ups. Just 4 of the 11 that started Saturday’s win at Lutterworth Town were also named in the 11 that faced The Swans at Bridge Road.
Saturday’s victory at Lutterworth Town sends Lance Key’s side into this fixture with plenty of confidence, having found a knack of scoring goals with 6 goals in their last 2 outings. New signing Jay Rolfe opened both his and The Stutes account on Saturday, before Ryan Towner and Max York secured the win. Another positive note was that the experienced Dan Brown was introduced late in the game as he nears a return to full fitness. With the next 5 fixtures all against sides around them The Stutes have a challenging period ahead, yet one that could prove to be very rewarding if all goes to plan.
Admission Prices:
Adults £8 Concessions £6 Under 16’s £3
Ground Address: Willen Road, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, MK16 0DF
Travel Time (from Bridge Road): 51 minutes, 45 miles
