United aim to halt Hitchin title charge

Sep 18 2009 By Greg Burns

CHESHAM United are hoping to be the first team to take points of league leaders Hitchin Town on Saturday.

The Generals are in a tremendous run of form but travel to Town knowing that their hosts have won all of their opening five games after their relegation from the Southern League Premier Division last season.

But United will be confident after a brilliant performance saw them progress in the FA Cup with a 2-0 win at Harrow Borough on Tuesday night.

United boss Andy Leese said: "We have to move on quickly as we have a tough test in the League this weekend at Hitchin.

"They have started the season extremely well, and like us they seem to have a good mix of youth and experience.

"In fact Ollie Adedeji at 39 will feel like a youngster compared to Mark Smith at Hitchin who is in his 40's! They are not conceding many goals, but the playing surface will suit us, and it will be two confident teams that take to the pitch.

"We should have a full squad available for selection, barring Danny Burnell (suspended) Nick Leach (injured), and Chris Bangura (injury and illness) also remains a doubt.

"A few players played in the reserves on Wednesday to stay sharp, including Danny Gudgeon who has returned from holiday to boost our options.

"It should be a marker of where we are in the league season. It is too early in my view to talk about "must win" games, but someone needs to halt Hitchin's progress, and we aim to be the team that does that."

OTHER FIXTURES

Saturday, September 19

Southern League Division One Midlands: Atherstone Town v AFC Sudbury; Barton Rovers v Bedworth United; Beaconsfield SYCOB v Arlesey Town; Biggleswade Town v Marlow; Bromsgrove Rovers v Aylesbury United; Burnham v Romulus; Leighton Town v Stourport Swifts; Rothwell Town v Bury Town; Soham Town Rangers v Slough Town; Sutton Coldfield Town v Woodford United.