Galaxy’s quest (From This is Hampshire)

Galaxy’s quest

8:00am Saturday 29th November 2008

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GALAXY Windows’ title credentials will be put firmly to the test when they meet current Championship leaders the Rock at the Marsh tomorrow (10.30pm).

The Portlanders trail the table-toppers by just five points but with a game in hand a Galaxy victory would put real pressure on the Abbotsbury Road outfit approaching the crucial Christmas period.

Galaxy boss Andy Barber said: “We gave one or two of the squad players a run-out last weekend and credit to them because they dug deep and got the win over Clean Connections.

“However, this week I will need to revert back to what I believe is my strongest side and therefore the likes of Matt Bird, Paul Barber, Chris Reader and Olly Tillson will all feature again.

“Sadly, those most likely to make way will be Jim Hendon, Dave Dulston, Dave Fuller and Nathan Waters.”

Lee Clarke netted twice last weekend but reverts back to a defensive role tomorrow while captain Keiron Reeson is likely to be partnered up front by free-scoring Dan Sidwell.

Up in the Premiership, leaders the Belvedere host the Railway Tavern at the Marsh and player-boss Bobby Darch believes his team are really gunning for action this weekend.

He said: “The lads are really up for this one after last week’s late cancellation and we always give the Railway boys plenty of respect as they can be difficult to beat on their day.”

The only real team news for the champions is that Leighton Hanson comes into the side in place of the unavailable Gary Harvey.

Meanwhile, the Duke of Albany, sitting just three points behind the Belve in third spot, face a tricky away trip to the Grove where they will meet the mid-table George – a side they were highly fortunate to defeat 5-4 on the opening day of the season.

Like the Belve, the Duke were without a game last weekend but the break has seen them welcome back several names including Mark Carter, Adam Linaker, Sean Harris and keeper Anthony Luque.

Definitely out of the Duke’s party will be Chris Sweetser-Hawkes – his ankle problem will sideline him until the New Year while Steve Steele and Josh Burton (knee) also miss out.

The Britannia will entertain Tuatara at the Piggery and they will be hoping to maintain their good form against one of their bogey sides.

The Brit will once again have to contend with the loss of both Nathan Cornwall and Dan Mitchell, but strikers Ben Milton and Antony Carlile could return.

The Kingswood will be looking to build on last week’s 9-3 win over the Punchbowl when they take on AFC Black Dog at Redlands.

On the opening day of the season the Wood beat Rob Pavey’s side 11-0 but co-boss Jason Wellman is expecting a very different proposition this time around.

He said: “Rob was missing several players last time we played them and they have added a couple as well so we will have to be on our guard.”

Goalkeeper Nick Gregg and midfielder Simon Shapcott are expected to return for the Wood but they will be without injured duo Mark and Steve Lambert, and Ian McDonald, Lloyd Squibb and Luke Bartlett who are all unavailable. Skipper Stuart Crane is struggling with a knee injury but should play.

TOMORROW’S FIXTURES (all 10.30am) Weymouth Sunday League Premiership: AFC Black Dog v Kingswood (Redlands), Belvedere v Railway Tavern (Marsh), Britannia v Tuatara (Piggery), George v Duke of Albany (Grove), Lugger v Punchbowl (Budmouth), Rendezvous v Rodwell (Redlands).

Championship: Alex v George (Budmouth), Chapelhay v Queens Park Venue (Marsh), Clean Connections v Old Castle (Redlands), Dorothy v Golden Lion (Budmouth), Market House v Southill (Marsh), Rock v Galaxy Windows (Marsh).

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