Match Preview

Blues are on the road again when they travel to Cambridgeshire on Saturday to renew acquaintances with Histon, the two teams last met in loftier circumstances in the Conference National back in 2009. Histon go into the game on the back of a very creditable draw at title favourites Maldon & Tiptree last Saturday although the Tamplin revolution at Romford could have a say at the end of the season unless he decides to sack himself yet again! Blues in contrast to their hosts have hit a rocky patch of late with just one league win in their last eight matches going down to a controversial penalty last week at Felixstowe & Walton in an improved performance . Histon hold the upper hand with three wins and three wins in the previous six meetings and two matches in particular will stir the memories of some Blues supporters. Back in March 2009 at Histon Blues found themselves four goals behind inside the first half hour , Andy Pugh managed to pull a goal back just before half time. But it was during the break when then chairman Micky Woodward burst into the dressing room unleashing a foul mouthed tirade at the players emerging in the second half to take control of the team leaving manager Gary Phillips a forlorn and dejected figure on the bench, Woodward didn't spare Blues fans either hurling insults at them after they had made the journey in midweek to support the team! Earlier that season at the Rec. Blues were leading 1-0 courtesy of an Ishmael Welch strike and with just twenty minutes left on the clock seemingly coasting to victory. Histon manager Steve Fallon made a tactical change, Blues imploded shipping four goals in a disastrous final twenty minutes turning the game on its head. Blues fans will be hoping for a change in fortunes on Saturday thats for sure.

Histon manager Lance Key has overseen a steady start to their first season in the BetVictor Isthmian league with his team in eight place one behind Blues but with the same number of 19 points but an inferior goal difference making tomorrows clash a real six pointer at this early stage of the season. Blues will have to be aware of their leading goal scorers Ed Ralph and Dan Brown sharing thirteen goals between them.

Jim Cooper will be looking for his squad to bounce back after last weeks frustrating reverse at Felixstowe succumbing to a questionable penalty
late in the second half from an official who took inconsistency to a new level. Having said that after a first half when Blues were denied by the woodwork and Felixstowe keeper Danny Crump they failed to build on their dominance in the second period. Defensively though Blues looked more solid with the signing of experienced defender Ryan Sammons adding steel at the back. Two new signings in the week have been added to the squad with Ben Clarke and Jayden Beales signing on the dotted line. On the injury front Stokes is expected to be back hopefully in time for the busy xmas period , Michael Pindy may be a doubt after limping out of the game on Saturday.

Curren League Form
Histon
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Blues
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