Chippenham Town v Marine Preview

Chippenham Town v Marine Preview

From Nick Taylor

Marine take a break from the stresses of their final two league fixtures coming up to take on National League South side, Chippenham Town, in the final of The Wiltshire Premier Shield at The County Ground, Swindon on Tuesday evening, kick off 7.45 pm

The Bluebirds, managed by former Marine pairing of Manager Gary Horgan and Assistant Matt Coupe have had another positive season and with only one fixture remaining they currently sit twelfth in their league on 61 points from 45 games played, which has included three away defeats in the past week, the most recent being a 3-0 loss at Eastbourne Borough on Saturday.

Chippenham received a bye in the Quarter-Final of The Wilts Premier Shield after Swindon Town decided to withdraw, before beating a spirited Westbury Utd on penalties in the Semi-Final in January, after having drawn 3-3 on the night.

Marine’s route to the final began back on Tuesday 28th November with a 4-3 victory at Melksham Town, before defeating a hard-working Royal Wotton Bassett Town side by 3-2 in January to secure their place at The County Ground.

As well as Marine Gary Horgan and Matt Coupe, Chippenham have former Marine players in Will Henry, Tom Mehew and Ed Williams on their books.

With key league games still to come, both Managers, Stuart Fleetwood and Gary Horgan will, no doubt, bare this in mind ahead of team selection, with the final providing an opportunity for certain players to gain more valuable minutes on the pitch whilst one or two key players may be rested, as well as the chance to claim some silverware.

With mostly a full squad to pick from other than Tom Sharpe, Head Coach Stuart Fleetwood is looking forward to the clash, “It’s a chance to give players precious minutes and opportunities before the end of the season. We’ll still be strong with quality players waiting for that chance. We’re not going there just to make up the numbers!”