Generals set for 'must-win' promotion showdown

Apr 19 2012 By Greg Burns

Andy Leese

CHESHAM United boss Andy Leese has backed his team to come through their ‘must-win’ promotion showdown this weekend but has warned against taking their opponents lightly.

Only league leaders Brackley have won more games on the road than a Frome Town side who visit The Meadow on Saturday sitting comfortably in mid-table in their first season in the Evo-Stik Premier Division.

For Chesham, the stakes could not be higher.

Defeat at Barwell on Saturday saw them drop down to fifth and within striking distance of Stourbridge, who are waiting to pounce on their play-off berth if the Generals slip-up.

And with 13th-placed Frome already having won at Cambridge City and drawn at AFC Totton, Brackley and Leamington this season, Leese is expecting a tough test of their promotion credentials on Saturday.

“Last weekend was really disappointing and frustrating in equal measure, he said. "I have to hope it was a one-off because we now have a must-win game this weekend.

“Frome’s away record has been excellent and has been the key to them having a comfortable season so they are no fools. We have to give them the respect they deserve but we are still confident going into the game.”

Leese’s side had the joint-best defensive record in the division last season but have conceded 50 goals this campaign – more than any of the other top seven sides.

It is a statistic that concerns the Generals’ boss, but he is just happy for their play-off fate to still be in their hands.

“We have probably been more open than usual this season and it is something we need to look at as a whole team,” he said. “We are proud of our defensive record in recent seasons but we have conceded about 12 more goals this season.

“But our season is still in our control. This time last year it was out of our hands and we have worked hard to get into this position.

“It is time for our experienced players to dig deep and prove why they have been performing so well in recent years.”

Chesham will switch their attention to winning some silverware with a Berks & Bucks Senior Cup final clash with Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park on Tuesday night. Kick-off is 7.45pm with tickets priced at £9 for adults and £5 for concessions