Chepstow Town host Panteg today in a tie that sees both sides level on points and only separated by goal difference. Panteg’s joint-manager Gareth Wilmott says his side will be looking to get as many points on the board, starting Saturday.
Fortunately for the Teg, they will be able to choose a squad that they feel can win the gam with
“No injuries or suspensions going into the game thankfully. However, Ryan Dorrian should now be fully fit and we welcome Kirk Hicks back into the squad.”
In the last month, plenty of sides were busy in assembling their squads to help booster their position in the table come the end of the season, Gareth Appleby and Ben Banks left Panteg but the Panteg committee signed 4 players during the month of January, including Mark Randell, who Wilmott has sung the praises of.
“Gareth Appleby signed for our reserve team but returned to Lucas Cwmbran without playing a game. Ben Banks left to play for local side Nelson but we have been lucky having signed a brilliant replacement in Mark Randell who has been superb for us in his first 3 games. We have had a busy January bringing in 4 players.”
Another signing that caught the eye of many throughout the Welsh League, was the signing of AFC Porth’s top goal scorer from last season, who dropped down a division to play for Panteg.
“We were delighted to get Nathan on board. He is a goal scorer and any team can never have too many of them playing. He adds another serious goal threat to our attack. Nathan was carrying an ankle injury when we signed him but he has now scored 2 goals in his last 2 games so we are hoping that form continues going forward.”
A win for Panteg would see them leapfrog Chepstow into 6th place but manager Wilmott says that a win would be good for his side, it’s more of a case of securing even more results.
“I think the game will be extremely competitive. Chepstow are a good side and on a good run at the moment so we know we will be have to be at our best to get anything from the game.
Chepstow have a few games in hand on us so while we know a win will elevate us up the table we are more focused on accruing as many points as possible between now and the end of the season rather than jumping above Chepstow Saturday.”
In Wilmott’s first game in charge of joint-manager, he oversaw a 5-2 defeat to Chepstow in his first game but he believes his Panteg side are different and that they will learn from their mistakes that day. One thing that may hamper Panteg’s chances though is their away form, with only one away win all season.
“I remember we started the game well but missed several good chances early on and then had Ryan Dorrian sent off after 30 minutes. But on the day Chepstow were much better than us all over the pitch and throughly deserved the win. It was a tough start for me personally taking a thumping at home in my first game, but that was a while ago now and we are, I’d like to think, a different animal now. We are all looking forward to the return game.
It hasn’t been a record we have been too happy about to be honest. Mainly because we have been too open as a team away from home. But hard work at training from the players and a slightly different approach, we are hoping, will see that record improve in our remaining fixtures this season.”
Winning Panteg’s Player of the Month award, Wilmott sung the praises of the brother of former West Ham defender Daniel.
“David Gabbidon! What can I say. The guy is a Panteg legend. He is such a vital player for us on the pitch but also a massive leader in our dressing. When Gab plays its gives everyone involved a lift and a feel good factor. It was really important for us getting Gab back fit and involved after Christmas after being out for several months.”
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