Chesham United v Tiverton Town
Pitching In Southern League, Premier Division South
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE side Chesham United have been there or thereabouts as promotion contenders for quite a few campaigns now.
The Generals, who lost out to Bracknell in last season’s play-off semi-final, occupy third place this term, three points behind leaders Salisbury. On Saturday, they drew away against play-off placed AFC Totton after a surrendering a two-goal half-time lead.
The Meadow, their home ground, has been close to being a fortress up to this point in the league: Winchester City are the only side to topple them on home turf and that 2-1 loss occurred on September 23. They also possess the top scorer in the league – Ricardo German has contributed 19 of the team’s 39 goals.
Joint-managers James Duncan and Michael Murray have been in place for over five years now, having previously had success with Potters Bar. The group of players that they have assembled has good pedigree in the non-league game and otherwise: German had a brief professional career with Crawley Town and Chesterfield United and plays internationally for Grenada.
Thirty-year-old forward/attacking midfielder Bruno Andrade was a product of QPR’s academy structure and has a Premier League appearance to his name. He then went on to make more than 160 EFL appearances. A pivotal player for Lincoln City in the Cowley brothers’ reign, Portuguese-born Andrade’s football journey has also taken in Aldershot, Wycombe, Stevenage and Salford.
Comedian Alex Horne brings a bit of celebrity flavour to the club. The comedian noted for Taskmaster, the Horne Section and Peter Crouch: Save Our Summer is a director at Chesham, his kids having previously been part of the Generals’ youth set up.
This game will be a tall order for the Yellows, although they can look back to their last two away games on the road as being profitable journeys.
Our mini revival may have been slightly derailed on Saturday. However, there was plenty to applaud in how we performed and matched, a good footballing team like Hungerford.
It is unlikely that Matt Britton will be fit for selection, and Jack Rice is unavailable, but otherwise the Yellows should be at full strength. Competition for places is hotting up, with the recent additions to the squad strengthening Leigh Robinson’s options.
Tiverton will be looking to bounce back in Buckinghamshire, although they will have to be at their very best to have a chance of doing so.
Good luck tonight 👍 I’d be very happy with a point!