Match Preview

The Kingfishers host Barnstable at Waterside Park this Saturday (3:00pm kick-off)
Southern League action returns to Waterside Park on Saturday as Thatcham Town host Barnstaple, with kick-off at 3:00pm.

The Kingfishers crashed out of the FA Cup in their last outing against Bemerton Heath Harlequins but received a boost midweek as the club announced the signings of Josh Helmore, George Jeacock and Lewis Gabbidon.

Barnstaple, however, are looking to record their first points of the campaign after losing all five of their fixtures so far this season. They make the approximate 160-mile journey with aspirations of lifting themselves from the foot of the table.

Ekow Elliot remains out of action for the hosts as he continues to recover from an injury he picked up during his side’s 6-0 thrashing of Fleet Town two weeks ago.

Manager Danny Robinson resumes his duties with the Thatcham first-team after returning from his holidays, and is expecting difficult competition from his upcoming opponents:

“They’re a young side, a very hardworking side. They like to compact the midfield and get the ball forward,” said Robinson on Thursday evening.

“It’s going to be a very tough game, just like any game at this level.”

The manager also took time to praise each of his new additions: “Absolutely thrilled to have Josh back, massive for us that is!” said Robinson when speaking of Helmore, the golden boot winner for Thatcham during the 2015/16 campaign. “Everybody knows Josh; a centre-forward, big, strong, quick, can hold the ball, can run in behind and I think he’s probably better suited to football in this league than the Hellenic League.

“(Jeacock) trained with us on Thursday. He looked sharp and he’s a very good player. He’s very strong, quick and technical, a terrific asset to have at this football club.

“Lewis Gabbidon speaks for himself. He’s a born winner. A title winner in the Hellenic League. He’s played Southern League football and is definitely an asset that we need so I’m delighted to bring him in.”

Despite missing Helmore and Elliot for the fixture, Robinson confirmed that he had by far enough depth in his squad with approximately eighteen players available for the clash.

Join us at Waterside Park this weekend! Ticket prices for the fixture are listed below;

Adults - £8
Concessions - £5
Children - £1