McKay expects a tough Parley test (From This is Hampshire)
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McKay expects a tough Parley test
7:30pm Friday 28th December 2012 in Hampshire Sport By David Williams, Sports Reporter
SERVING HIS BAN: Scott Henley
SCOTT Henley serves the last of his three-match ban tomorrow as Portland United host Parley Sports (2pm) knowing that even a draw could put them top on goal difference if leaders Holt slip-up.
With the exception of Henley and Jordan Vincent, who is ruled out with a knee injury, Portland are almost up to full strength but assistant-manager Derek McKay is expecting Parley to give them a tough afternoon.
“We played them in the cup a few months ago and it was a good game, they are a decent footballing side,” he said. “They are a young and fit team and we expect a hard game from them.
“We beat them 4-2 in that cup match but they are one of the few sides that kept the ball well against us.
“After the Chickerell game was postponed I’m sure the players will be looking forward to this one and we should have a strong side out for it.
“Other than Scott and Jordan, we are going to be at full strength.”
Only a minor miracle from the weather gods is likely to see Bridport Reserves’ clash with Wareham Rangers take place, according to Bees’ boss Robin Townsend.
The St Mary’s Field pitch has been under a few inches of water since the weekend and the chances are it will not get much better ahead of tomorrow’s match.
“I would imagine it will be off,” said Townsend. “There was six inches of water on part of the pitch on Saturday so unless we have a miracle we won’t be playing.”
If it does go ahead, Bridport will not have the services of Chris Herbst or Jamie Morgan but keeper Jamie Fry is available again.
“It’s a bonus to have Jamie back,” added Townsend. “He’s a big influence on the team and is playing some good stuff.”
Bridport won the reverse fixture 2-0 in August with goals from Roger Cum-mings and Michael Hailu.
Chickerell United, one place below Bridport in fifth, are home to Cranborne and if results go their way they could find themselves in the top three come the full-time whistle.
The sides drew 1-1 at Penny’s Lane in November when Thomas Peck equalised for the Chickens after Greg O’Mallo had given Cranborne the lead.
After beating frontrunners Holt last time out, Weymouth Reserves should fancy their chances when they travel to Merley Cobham Sports. A win could send the Terras into the top half of the table.
