Following last week’s 1-1 draw at home to Harlow Town, and with midweek results going against them, Blues now sit in 7th in what is an extremely congested section of the league table. With the top two looking quite certain, and with Needham Market comfortable in 3rd, there are then six clubs separated by just a single point.

The form guide wouldn’t suggest that the match is going to be a great one with Blues having just the one win in their last six; the 5-1 demolition of Thamesmead Town a fortnight ago, along with draws against Waltham Abbey and the aforementioned Harlow Town. Soham, 19th in the league are currently bottom of the form guide having not won in their previous six matches.

They picked up a credible 2-2 draw at home to Needham Market in January, however that has been followed by defeats against Thamesmead Town (0-4), Ware (1-4), Waltham Abbey (2-5) and Redbridge (2-3). Their last victory in the league was back on Boxing Day, when they overcame AFC Sudbury 3-1.

Soham were in action in midweek, as they won through to the Cambridgeshire Invitational Cup Final where they will face with Ely City or Royston Town. Away from home, they beat Wisbech Town 2-0 courtesy of goals from Dubi Ogbonna and Scott Carter.

The Soham management team have been busy in recent weeks by adding a number of names to the squad. Ex Ely City and King’s Lynn Town defender Brady Stone signed in midweek, but it is expected he won’t be featuring tomorrow, whilst midfielder Paul Jones rejoined the club for a third spell from Yaxley. They have also signed up Chris Munday from their under-18 setup; the sixth member of the youth team to have signed for the first team this season.

Elsewhere in the league, Brentwood Town host the leader Leiston, whilst second places Enfield Town are at home to AFC Sudbury. Needham Market travel south of the river to Thamesmead Town, Harlow Town play hosts to Waltham Abbey, and a big match is in prospect at Chafields as Tilbury face a resurgent Redbridge.

FORM GUIDE
Grays Athletic: L L D L W D
Soham Town Rangers: L D L L L L

LEAGUE POSITION

	Pos	P	W	D	L	F	A	+/-	Pts
Grays Athletic	7th	30	16	6	8	56	31	+25	51
Soham Town Rangers	19th	30	5	9	16	40	69	-29	24

Depending on other results, Grays could climb as high as 4th or drop to 9th. Soham could move up position to 18th with a win.

MATCH FACTS
Looking back over my records, Saturday will be only the fourth meeting of the two clubs, with the first being a pre-season friendly in July 2001 which ended 1-1.

The two clubs met in the FA Trophy 1st Qualifying Round last season, and Blues won 2-1 courtesy of goals from Ishmael Welsh and Simon Thomas. Dubi Ogbonna scored late on for the hosts.

The biggest margin of victory is 4-1, which Blues won back in November at Rookery Hill. Following an early red card for Soham, the visitors went ahead through a penalty scored by Dan Cotton. Two goals from Lee Flynn and further strikes by Danny Bunce and Leon McKenzie secured the win for Blues.

CLUB CONNECTIONS
Despite researching, there are no club connections to mention, however if you know of any player who has featured for both side, please let me know!

MILESTONES
If selected, Grant Cooper will be making his 25th appearance for the club.

Joao Carlos has featured in every league match this season, 29 starts and 1 substitute appearance.

Both Anthony Ryan and Joe Sweeney need one more goal for their 10th for the club.