Hereford Lads Club vs. Wellington FC
Saturday 1st February – 3pm Kick Off // County Ground, Widemarsh Common.
The A49 derby, you could call it but whatever you decide to call it, this is a very important match between two decent sides. Lads Club, still very much in with a shout of promotion, take on Wellington, a side more than capable of causing any opposition problems on their day.
We’ve taken time to speak to both camps ahead of this key fixture. We asked Steven Bell of Lads Club a few questions ahead of this important encounter. Here’s what he had to say:
Q) It’s a been a good season so far. With the games in hand you have, there is an opportunity for you to challenge for promotion. Is this group of players capable of a challenge for promotion?
A) Most definitely. There is some real quality within the squad, which over the past couple of seasons has really shown. The teams above us have already got the points on the board but if we play to our full potential there should be no reason why we aren’t in the running come the end of the season.
Q) Wellington are in a decent position themselves. Do you see them causing you any problems?
A) I think only a fool would write off the opposition and of course recent form goes out of the window in a local derby. They’ve got some tidy players who know how to play. We are going to have to play well for the 90 minutes to get the right result. They are a well run club who do things the right way. I think it’s about time local clubs got behind each other and give credit where its due.
Q) Which player in the squad has been the most consistent performer this season?
A) We’ve had some really special individual performances over the last couple of games from our attacking players. Although having played the least games this season so far our defensive record is currently the best. For me our midfield trio are really the standout consistent players, and of course losing Tom Dawson last week to a reckless leg break is really going to put us under the pump.
Q) You’ve recently had a new pitch installed. Has this taken time to adjust to or does it suit the style of football that Lads Club play?
A) It definitely suits how we want and like to play the game. We are a side who try to get the ball down and play which of course suits the pitch. A few of us older players have found it alot quicker than what weve been used to and of course theres no bobble to blame anymore! We’ve had some good numbers coming through the gates and all the boys appreciate it, we would love to see more of you as the season goes on.
Q) You seem a close group of players. Would you say this is the best group you’ve had in recent years?
A) I would say this is the closest weve ever been as a squad on and off the pitch. Testament to Danny, Richie and Buck for keeping the boys together during our 5 month away game bonanza. The club is going from strength to strength on and off the pitch which I’m proud to be part of. Over the years we haven’t always been shown in the best light however we all pull together and have each others backs which gives us every chance of picking up those important 3 points week in week out.
Now it’s time to hear from Wellington captain Joe Davies:Â
Q) It’s a been a good season so far hasn’t it? How high up the table do you think you could finish?
A) It has been an up & down season for us so far, we have had some really good results combined with some disapppinting points dropped. We are a little behind where we want to be in terms of our league position but we still have lots to play for to finish high up the league and we are still in two cups.
Q) Lads Club are in a decent position themselves. Do you see them causing you problems?
A) They are a good side that are always difficult to play against. However we have played well over the last few weeks and not really got the points we deserved. Hopefully we can take all 3 on Saturday.
Q) Which player in the squad has been the most consistent performer this season?
A) The team rotates quite a lot but the new players have all added something and created a strong squad. Jake Robinson has been the stand out player at full back and Lewis Fletcher has come into a bit of form after a recent injury. Sam Plane returning from Westfields has also strengthened us at the back. I feel we just need to ensure we all perform from now until the end of the season, make ourselves hard to beat and see where it takes us.
Q) Lads Club have recently had a new pitch installed. Will this make the game tougher for you or does it suit the style of football you play?
A) I think it will be a good game as both teams try to play, we haven’t lost in our last three games on artificial surfaces so it’s not something we will be too concerned about. Obviously, they will be used to playing there so we are expecting a different type of challenge to that of previous years.
Q) What do you enjoy most about playing for Wellington?
A) We have some great people at the club and get looked after as players. Our grass pitch is as good as any around our level and we have a good spirit in the squad, especially after away victories! It’s important that we keep this group together, continue to develop and thrive within the Hellenic League.
We’ll have more on our featured game tomorrow, with a view from the sidelines at 9am!
#YourHerefordshire
