On Saturday 7th February Grays host Wroxham in Isthmian League North. With the rain we have had this week, a pitch inspection will be undertaken early on Saturday morning and we will provide confirmation one way or the other, ASAP afterwards.

The corresponding fixture last season was played with a strong wind blowing down the ground. It was Yachtsmen, appropriately, who found the wind to their liking, as they won 5-2. Their final goal was scored by goalkeeper, Ollie Sutton, who's clearance from the penalty box caught the wind and beat Danny Sambridge on the bounce.

This season, we met in Norfolk back on 27th September at Wroxham's Ginger Pickle Stadium and picked up a useful point, thanks to a 1-1 draw. Wroxham took the lead before half time courtesy of Asa McGeachy. Grays equaliser came deep in the second half, Aron Gordon scoring with a rare header. There was chance to take the win in injury time, but the draw was probably a fair reflection on the game.

That result left our Head to Head record against Wroxham as P9 W4 D4 L1. Our 4 wins came in the first 4 meetings, so Wroxham are undefeated in their last 5 games against us.

Having finished 17th last season, Wroxham have improved significantly this term, exceeding expectations. They are currently in 8th position on 44 points, matching their total return from last season, with 16 games left to play. They are 6 points behind the final play off place but with games in hand over several of their rivals.

The concern for The Yachtsmen will be if the bad weather continues and the games start to back up. Long midweek trips are less than ideal.

The impact of the weather was seen this week as Takeley (who have only managed 2 games on home turf since beating us at the end of November), had to switch their home game with Downham Town to Newmarket Town's 3G pitch, reducing the crowd to only 28, the lowest in this division for 9 years.

The Yachtsmen's manager, Jordan Southgate, is in his second spell in charge having returned in November 2024. In his first spell he was in charge for 250 games, so must be closing in on 300 by now (if he's not already reached this milestone). Jordan's assistant was Danny Crow, who joined Cambridge City earlier this season, to work alongside Mickey Spillane.

Wroxham's squad has remained very stable during the season but they did add Joe Henman and Kai Fletcher on dual registrations with Fakenham Town and AFC Sudbury, respectively.

Top goalscorers this term are Asa McGeachy, who's goal against us was one of 10 this season (9 in the league), James Moore has 9 (8) and Shaun Taylor 5 (5).

Recent Form

In their last 6 games, Wroxham have W1, D3, L2. Goals for 5 and goals against 8. In away games their form is W2, D2, L2. Goals for 4, goals against 5.

For Blues our last 6 games have seen W2, D1, L3 with goals for 7 and goals against 9.
In our last 6 home games our form is W3, L3 with goals for 9 and goals against 8.

Last Time

Wroxham have had several games cancelled recently and have only played twice since 27th December. Whether that leaves them well rested, or a little ring rusty, we'll find out on Saturday (perhaps!)

Their last game was on 24th January when they made another trip to South Essex to play in form Bowers and Pitsea, losing 2-0.

Grays midweek game at Witham, succumbed to the weather for a second time and has been re-arranged for Tuesday 3rd March. Third time lucky ?

Summary

If the game goes ahead, the pitch is likely to be heavy and how the teams cope with conditions will have a significant bearing on the outcome.

The Yachtsmen will want the 3 points to stay in touch with the play off picture. They have been solid away from home this season; in 13 away league games they have only scored 10 but also, only conceded 11. They remain the only side so far to avoid losing, in the league, at Maldon and Tiptree.

For Blues, with some of our players now returning from injury, there are reasons to be more optimistic. There's still a lot to play for in terms of the 42 points on offer but also in terms of showing what might have been without a lengthy injury list for most of this campaign.

All season we have been searching for the consistent results that we know builds momentum. A home game following the good win at Brantham is another opportunity to get things moving.

Cross fingers for some better weather, but keep your eye on the socials on Saturday morning. Hopefully we'll get the chance to see some proper football on Saturday at the EMR. As always, your support is never taken for granted!

COYB!