Wimborne’s frantic February fixture feast (seven games in 22 days) kicks off with the first ever visit of Bracknell in the Southern League.
Last season Bracknell bagged the final play-off spot with a W21 D5 L16 GF 84 GA 71 record. This time around under new manager Jon Underwood, The Robins have mostly been flying in the top half of the table. However, in terms of points gained, they, like The Magpies, are one of 11 teams currently closer to the bottom four in the relegation spots than the four in the play-off places. The Robins have kept six clean sheets in this campaign, and have scored in time added-on in six matches. Bracknell are sitting 10th with a W7 D13 L8 GF 38 GA 39 record; on their travels away from their 3G pitch their record is W3 D6 L4.
Bracknell have achieved some good results this season: they drew 1-1 at home with Totton, lost by the odd goal in three against Merthyr, and are the only team to have won at Gloucester – 2-0 in November. Their other away wins were both by 2-1 at Frome and Hungerford. The away draws have been at Basingstoke, Marlow, Taunton, Winchester, Poole, and Plymouth Parkway.
Surprisingly, Bracknell didn’t win any of their seven games this January, and have failed to score in their most recent three, losing 1-0 at Dorchester, then 4-0 at home to Hungerford on Saturday, and 1-0 at home to third-placed Gloucester on Tuesday evening. However, in his post-match interview after that game manager Underwood said that he was pleased with: “the intensity, the way we pressed, and how competitive we were”.
When they have scored, Joel Rollinson is The Robins leading marksman with seven, Haydon Vaughan, on loan from Aldershot, and Gabe George have six, while Liam Tack has netted five. The manager hinted in his post-match interview about bringing in a couple of new players this week.
The Magpies are six places and five points below The Robins, but have played four games fewer. Wimborne’s overall record is W8 D5 L11 GF 29 GA 39; at the Wyatt Homes Stadium it’s W6 D3 L3. Saturday’s 1-0 loss on Tiverton’s “heavy” pitch came after a run of four undefeated: a 1-0 win at Sholing, a 1-1 draw at home with Gloucester, a 3-1 home three points over Marlow, and a 2-2 draw at Taunton. Owen Roundell made his first start at Tivvy; Toby Holmes scored his first goal since his return at Taunton; and skipper Sam Jackson has been on target in our last two home games. Expect manager Tim Sills to make full use of his squad as he contemplates the February fixtures.
In the reverse match in October, on a dry, warm and sunny afternoon (we wish!), The Magpies and The Robins fought out a goal-less draw.
As one of six teams within three points of a place in the bottom four, Wimborne need the points to move higher up the table. Bracknell will be keen to get back to winning ways. This has all the makings of being a cracking way to start this hectic month. You won’t want to miss this one. So wrap up warm, and come on down to The Wyatt Homes Stadium to cheer on Tim’s team. After all, it’s what Saturday afternoons were made for.
There’s reasonable parking at the ground in Ainsley Road BH21 2FU, but if you do decide to travel by car and park on the nearby streets, please do so respectfully to our neighbours.
The Morebus no.13 runs along Leigh Road from and to The Square in the town centre with stops at the bottom of Parmiter Road, a 5-minute stroll from the ground.
There is a bike park to the left of the players’ entrance.
Admission: adults £14, concessions £8, U18s £5, U13s £2.
Average att: 651
A packed printed programme will be on sale.
Weather forecast: sunny intervals; 7oC; <5% chance of rain.
